- The Government of India has set a goal to make the country free from sickle cell anemia by the year 2047. With this objective, the National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission was launched on July 1, 2023, from the Shahdol district of Madhya Pradesh.
- This initiative is considered one of the largest campaigns undertaken in the country for the prevention and control of genetic diseases.
- Under the mission, special emphasis is being placed on the timely identification, screening, and counseling of sickle cell anemia, as well as the treatment and care of patients.
- Large-scale screening drives are being conducted in tribal and remote areas where the disease is highly prevalent, ensuring that affected individuals receive necessary health services as quickly as possible.
- Sickle cell anemia is a hereditary blood disorder caused by abnormal hemoglobin-S.
- In this condition, red blood cells take on a sickle or crescent shape instead of their normal round shape.
- Consequently, blood flow is impaired, and the delivery of oxygen to various parts of the body is hindered, which can lead to numerous health problems.
- The government believes that through awareness, extensive screening, and timely treatment, significant progress can be made toward the goal of eliminating the disease by 2047 while simultaneously mitigating its impact.
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