Sickle Cell Anaemia to be Eradicated Before 2047: President Murmu

Context

President Droupadi Murmu expressed confidence that India would eliminate Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) well before the government’s target year of 2047.

She highlighted the progress achieved under the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, emphasizing the coordinated efforts of the Union and State Governments.

Key Achievement

More than 7 crore individuals in the 0–40 years age group have already been screened, achieving a major milestone ahead of schedule.

Why the Focus on Tribal Communities?

Scientific studies show that the prevalence of SCD is significantly higher among tribal populations than among the general population.

As a result, targeted screening, diagnosis, counselling, and treatment interventions are being prioritised in tribal-dominated regions.

What is Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)?

Definition

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited genetic blood disorder caused by a mutation in the gene responsible for producing haemoglobin.

This mutation leads to the formation of abnormal haemoglobin, causing red blood cells (RBCs) to become sickle-shaped or crescent-shaped instead of their normal round shape.

How Does It Affect the Body?

Normal RBCs are flexible and move easily through blood vessels.

In SCD:

RBCs become rigid and sticky.
They obstruct blood flow in small blood vessels.
Oxygen supply to tissues is reduced.

Consequences

Chronic anaemia
Severe pain episodes
Organ damage
Increased susceptibility to infections
Reduced life expectancy

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, marginalised tribal populations are the most vulnerable to the disease.

Symptoms of Sickle Cell Disease

1. Chronic Anaemia

Fatigue
Weakness
Paleness
Reduced physical endurance

2. Pain Crises (Sickle Cell Crises)

Sudden and intense pain
Commonly affects:
- Bones
- Chest
- Back
- Arms
- Legs

3. Growth and Development Issues

Delayed growth
Delayed puberty in children and adolescents

4. Organ Complications

Damage to spleen, kidneys, lungs, and other organs due to restricted blood flow

Treatment Options

Although no universal cure exists, several treatment options help manage the disease and improve quality of life.

1. Blood Transfusions

Help treat severe anaemia.
Reduce the frequency of pain crises and complications.

2. Hydroxyurea Therapy

Increases production of fetal haemoglobin.
Reduces painful episodes.
Helps prevent long-term complications.

3. Bone Marrow / Stem Cell Transplantation

Currently the most effective curative treatment for eligible patients.

4. Gene Therapy

Advanced gene-editing techniques such as:

CRISPR

(Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats)

can potentially correct the defective gene responsible for SCD.

Sickle Cell Disease in India

Global Position

India ranks third in the world in terms of SCD births, after:

Nigeria
Democratic Republic of the Congo
India

Burden of Disease

Approximately 15,000–25,000 babies with SCD are born in India every year.
Most cases occur in tribal populations.

Major Affected Regions

Central India
Western India
Tribal belts of:
- Madhya Pradesh
- Maharashtra
- Chhattisgarh
- Gujarat
- Odisha
- Rajasthan
- Jharkhand

The disease highlights significant geographical and socio-economic disparities in healthcare access and awareness.

National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission

Background

Announced in the Union Budget 2023, the mission aims to address the health burden of SCD, particularly among tribal communities.

Vision

To eliminate Sickle Cell Disease as a public health problem in India by 2047.

Key Features

Community Screening

Large-scale screening programmes to identify affected and at-risk individuals.

Genetic Counselling

Educating families about inheritance patterns and prevention strategies.

Advanced Diagnostics

Use of modern diagnostic technologies such as:

HPLC

(High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)

for accurate detection and confirmation of SCD.

Prenatal Testing

Testing during pregnancy to identify affected foetuses.
Conducted in collaboration with organisations such as Sankalp India Foundation.

Newborn Screening

Early detection through specialised laboratories, including facilities at AIIMS Bhopal.

Technology Integration

Development of:
- National Sickle Cell Portal
- Mobile applications for patient tracking and reporting

Objectives

1. Affordable and Accessible Care

Provide diagnosis, treatment and follow-up services to all patients.

2. Quality Healthcare

Ensure standardised and high-quality treatment across the country.

3. Reduce Disease Burden

Lower the prevalence and long-term impact of SCD.

Progress So Far

Screening Achievements

Over 3.37 crore individuals screened.
More than 3.22 crore individuals tested negative for SCD.
Over 7 crore individuals targeted for screening, counselling and care during the first three years (2023–24 to 2025–26).

Target Beneficiaries

Children and Adolescents (0–18 Years)

Early detection
Timely intervention
Prevention of complications

Youth and Adults (Up to 40 Years)

Expanded screening coverage
Genetic counselling
Long-term disease management

Significance of the Mission

The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission is one of the world’s largest genetic disease control programmes.

Its success will:

Improve health outcomes among tribal communities.
Reduce disease-related mortality and disability.
Strengthen preventive healthcare.
Promote genetic awareness and counselling.
Contribute to inclusive and equitable healthcare delivery.

Conclusion

Sickle Cell Disease remains a major public health challenge, particularly among India’s tribal populations. Through mass screening, genetic counselling, advanced diagnostics, and technology-driven monitoring, the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission seeks to eliminate SCD as a public health problem by 2047. The progress achieved so far indicates that India is moving steadily towards achieving this ambitious goal, potentially ahead of schedule.