India screens 6 crore people for sickle cell disease, 16.7 lakh carriers identified

As a part of the ongoing National Sickle Cell Mission, the Health Ministry informed that a total of 6 crore individuals were screened for sickle cell disease (SCD) so far, against the targeted 7 crore. 

 

Through the screening, it has been learnt that 2.15 lakh individuals were diagnosed with the condition, as well as 16.7 lakh carriers too have been identified. The government informed that 2.6 million health cards have been distributed by the states to the screened individuals. 

 

Among the states that have screened people, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Telangana, Karnataka, and Uttarakhand achieved a high percentage of testing. Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat recorded the highest incidence of diagnosed cases. 

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What is sickle cell disease?

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder that affects the haemoglobin in red blood cells, causing them to assume a sickle shape, which restricts blood flow and leads to severe pain, infections, and organ damage.

 

SCD is a sad reality that affects thousands of people in India, particularly in tribal communities. Recognising the urgent need to address the condition, the government launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission in the Union Budget 2023.

 

The mission aims to eliminate sickle cell anaemia in India by 2047 through the creation of awareness, universal screening of 7 crore individuals aged 0-40 years in affected tribal areas by FY 2025-26, and provision of counselling. 

 

How is the screening being conducted?

Screening for SCD is being conducted using validated Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) kits, which ensure rapid, reliable, and confirmatory results. Furthermore, a dedicated dashboard and a sickle cell disease portal have been established to consolidate screening data from all participating states.

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