Haemoglobinopathy is a kind of genetic defect that results in abnormal structure of one of the globin chains of the haemoglobin molecule.

Haemoglobinopathies are inherited single-gene disorders; in most cases, they are inherited as autosomal co-dominant traits.

Common haemoglobinopathies include sickle-cell disease. It is estimated that 7% of world’s population (420 million) are carriers, with 60% of total and 70% pathological being in Africa.

Haemoglobinopathies are most common in populations from Africa, the Mediterranean basin and Southeast Asia.

Haemoglobinopathies imply structural abnormalities in the globin proteins themselves.