Sickle Cell Eradication : Stamp Released
On Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (15th November 2024), a commemorative postage stamp on “Sickle Cell Eradication – 2047” was unveiled in Madhya Pradesh.
- The initiative aligns with India’s broader commitment to eradicating sickle cell anemia, a hereditary blood disorder, by 2047, particularly focusing on tribal communities, which are disproportionately affected.
- Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder causing abnormal haemoglobin (the protein that carries oxygen through the body), resulting in sickle-shaped red blood cells.
- This leads to blocked blood flow, severe pain, organ damage, and reduced life expectancy.
- The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) tribal health expert committee has identified SCD as one of the ten major health issues among tribal communities.
- Symptoms: Some common symptoms of sickle cell disease are
- Chronic anaemia which leads to fatigue, weakness, and paleness.
- Painful episodes (also known as sickle cell crisis) cause sudden and intense pain in the bones, chest, back, arms, and legs.
- Delayed growth and puberty.
