Why do African and Mediterranean get sickle cell anemia more often?

Sickle cell anemia is more prevalent in African and Mediterranean populations due to the historical presence of malaria in these regions. The sickle cell trait provides a genetic advantage against malaria, as individuals with one copy of the sickle cell gene (carriers) have a reduced risk of severe malaria. This selective pressure has led to a higher frequency of the sickle cell gene in these populations. Consequently, individuals who inherit two copies of the gene (one from each parent) develop sickle cell anemia.