India’s Achieved 6 Crore Sickle Cell Anemia Screening under the National Mission:
India has achieved a major public health milestone by completing 6 crore screenings under the National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission, launched to combat the genetic blood disorder predominantly affecting tribal populations. The mission is a cornerstone in India’s health policy framework aimed at eliminating sickle cell anemia by 2047 through early detection, awareness, and comprehensive care strategies.Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a hereditary blood disorder characterized by abnormally shaped red blood cells, leading to blockages in blood flow and resulting in pain, infections, and organ damage. It primarily affects tribal and economically disadvantaged populations in India. Recognizing the growing burden of this disease, the National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 1st July 2023 in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh.
