Focus on tribal health
India hits milestone in Sickle Cell Anemia screening drive: India has successfully screened 6 crore individuals under the National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission, a major step toward combating a debilitating genetic blood disorder. This public health achievement is especially significant in tribal regions, where the disease is most prevalent.
What is sickle cell disease
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a hereditary blood disorder in which red blood cells become sickle-shaped, causing blockages in blood vessels. This leads to pain, infections, and organ damage. It disproportionately affects tribal and economically weaker populations, especially in central and eastern India.
Static GK fact: The sickle cell trait was first reported in India in the 1940s, and the condition remains a major non-communicable disease burden in tribal belts.
Mission goals and launch
The National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 1st July 2023 from Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh. It aims to eliminate SCD as a public health problem in India by 2047, through early screening, genetic counselling, and treatment.
The mission targets 7 crore screenings for people aged 0–40 years across the most affected districts by FY 2025–26.
Key achievements so far
Over 6 crore individuals have already been screened. Out of these:
- 2.15 lakh people have been diagnosed with SCD.
- 16.7 lakh individuals have been identified as carriers.
- More than 2.6 crore health cards have been issued.
Static GK fact: Health cards include information on the genetic status of individuals, helping guide future marriages and childbirth decisions.
High-performing states
Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Telangana, Karnataka, and Uttarakhand have shown remarkable progress in screening and follow-up.
Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) kits are being used to ensure faster and accurate diagnoses in remote tribal areas. A centralized digital dashboard monitors the mission in real time, allowing for data-driven decision-making.
Remaining target and future challenges
With 1 crore people left to be screened, reaching the full target by 2025–26 is crucial. Challenges include:
- Ensuring follow-up care for those diagnosed or identified as carriers.
- Providing genetic counselling and psychosocial support.
- Maintaining long-term community awareness and integrating with other tribal health schemes.
Static GK Tip: India has the second-largest population of SCD patients after Africa, making early intervention essential.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
India hits milestone in Sickle Cell Anemia screening drive:
| Fact | Detail |
| Disease Targeted | Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) |
| Mission Launch Date | 1st July 2023 |
| Launched By | Prime Minister Narendra Modi |
| Total Screenings So Far | 6 crore individuals |
| Target by FY 2025–26 | 7 crore screenings |
| States Most Affected | Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat |
| Health Cards Distributed | Over 2.6 crore |
| POCT Kits Usage | For rapid and accurate field testing |
| Central Monitoring Tool | Digital dashboard and disease portal |
| Elimination Goal Year | 2047 |
