The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) has screened more than 1 crore individuals for Sickle Cell Disease as part of the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission. The initiative aims at screening 7 crore people within a span of three years. A press release on this milestone was issued on January 2, 2024.
Sickle Cell Disease is a genetic blood disorder that profoundly impacts the lives of those affected. While it is more prevalent in tribal populations, cases also occur among non-tribals. The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission operates in a mission mode, focusing on screening, prevention, and management of sickle cell anemia in all tribal and high-prevalence areas across states and union territories in India.
The program prioritizes 278 districts spanning 17 states, where the prevalence of Sickle Cell Disease is notably high. These states include Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Bihar, and Uttarakhand.
The comprehensive approach of the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission underscores its commitment to reducing the burden of this genetic disorder and enhancing the overall health and well-being of the affected population. The Ministry aims to build on this momentum, continuing its efforts to reach the set target of screening 7 crore people within the stipulated three-year period.
