Context:
President Droupadi Murmu reviewed the progress of the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission and reiterated India’s commitment to eliminate Sickle Cell Disease as a public health challenge by 2047.
Sickle Cell Anaemia
Sickle Cell Anaemia is a hereditary blood disorder caused by abnormal Haemoglobin-S.
This makes Red Blood Cells:
- Rigid
- Sticky
- Sickle-shaped
Pathology
Abnormal HbS
→ Sickling of Red Blood Cells
→ Rapid Red Blood Cell destruction
→ Blood vessel blockage
Consequences
- Chronic haemolytic anaemia
- Reduced oxygen supply to tissues
- Recurrent pain crises
- Multi-organ damage
- Brain, lungs, kidney and spleen complications
Management
- Early screening
- Genetic counselling
- Hydroxyurea therapy
- Folic acid supplementation
- Vaccination and infection control
- Blood transfusion in severe cases
- Bone marrow transplant as a potential cure
National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission
Launched
- 1 July 2023
Announced In
- Union Budget 2023–24
Target
- Eliminate Sickle Cell Disease as a public health problem by 2047.
Coverage
Screening of 7 crore individuals aged 0–40 years, especially in tribal-dominated areas.
Approach
Screen
→ Identify
→ Counsel
→ Treat
→ Prevent transmission
Progress
- 7 crore people screened
- Around 2.5 lakh patients identified
- More than 20 lakh carriers identified
Significance
- Important for tribal health.
- Supports preventive public health.
- Promotes genetic counselling.
- Reduces disease burden in vulnerable communities.
- Links health governance with social justice.
