- Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder where red blood cells become abnormally shaped (sickle-shaped), causing blockages in blood vessels.
- This leads to chronic pain, infections, organ damage, and even early death. In India, tribal communities across central and eastern states are the most affected.
- To address this, the National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission was launched by PM Narendra Modi on 1st July 2023 in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, aiming for complete elimination by 2047.
Mission Objectives:
- Screen 7 crore individuals (ages 0–40 years) in high-prevalence areas by 2025–26.
- Ensure early diagnosis through mass testing.
- Provide genetic counselling and awareness programs to affected families.
- Distribute health cards with disease status to all screened individuals.
- Establish a centralized digital platform for monitoring progress and data management.
Achievements:
- 6 crore people screened across tribal belts.
- 2.15 lakh individuals diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease.
- 16.7 lakh identified as carriers (those who can pass the disease genetically).
- 2.6 crore health cards distributed.
- Rapid testing facilitated by Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) kits.
- Real-time tracking via a centralized digital dashboard and disease portal.
Targeted Regions and State Progress:
- High-burden states include Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat.
- Notable progress also in Rajasthan, Telangana, Karnataka, Uttarakhand.
- These states have conducted wide-scale screening, counselling, and issued digital health cards.
Significance:
- Empowers vulnerable communities through early intervention.
- Reduces morbidity and mortality associated with SCD.
- Supports the government’s broader goal of achieving health equity and eliminating preventable genetic diseases.
- Helps in informed marriage counselling to reduce future cases.