Final answer:
True, individuals with Sickle Cell Disease experience severe anemia and high mortality rates, especially in African children, due to sickle-shaped cells blocking blood flow and reducing oxygen delivery.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, people who are born with Sickle Cell Disease often suffer from severe anemia, and the mortality rate is indeed high among African children. Sickle Cell Anemia is a genetic blood disorder wherein the hemoglobin mutation causes red blood cells to become sickle-shaped, leading to reduced oxygen transport to body tissues. These misshaped cells can get stuck in blood vessels, which may block blood flow and result in serious health problems. Despite its severe consequences, the gene persists in populations because carriers of one copy of the gene (heterozygotes) are provided with a protective advantage against malaria, which is prevalent in certain parts of Africa.