In News:

• On the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwason 15th November 2024, Hon’ble Governor of Madhya Pradesh, and Chief Minister unveiled a commemorative postage stamp dedicated to "Sickle Cell Eradication - 2047" at PG College, Dhar. 
• Significance:Focuses on India’s commitment to eradicate Sickle Cell Anemia by 2047, especially in tribal communities.

Sickle Cell Anemia Overview

• What is Sickle Cell Anemia?
  • Genetic blood disorder leading to abnormal hemoglobin.
  • Red blood cells become sickle-shaped, blocking blood flow and causing pain, organ damage, and reduced life expectancy.
• Symptoms:
  • Chronic anemia causing fatigue, weakness, and pallor.
  • Painful episodes (sickle cell crisis) resulting in intense pain in bones, chest, and limbs.
  • Delayed growth and puberty in children.
• Treatment Processes:
  • Blood Transfusions: Relieve anemia and reduce pain crises.
  • Hydroxyurea: Reduces the frequency of painful episodes.
  • Gene Therapy: Includes bone marrow or stem cell transplants and methods like CRISPR for treatment.

Challenges of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in India

• Tribal Population Impact:
  • India has the world’s largest tribal population (~67.8 million, 8.6% of total population as per 2011 Census).
  • Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is identified as one of the top 10 health issues for tribal communities.
• Challenges:
  • Limited diagnostic and treatment facilities in remote tribal regions.
  • Lack of awareness about genetic counseling and preventive care.
  • High treatment costs (e.g., CRISPR therapy costs USD 2-3 million).
  • Bone marrow donor availability is a challenge.

Government Initiatives for SCD Management

• National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (2023):
  • Objective: Eliminate SCD as a public health issue by 2047.
  • Key Features:
    • Community Screening: Mass screening to identify at-risk individuals.
    • Genetic Counseling: Educating families on genetic nature of SCD.
    • Advanced Diagnostics: Use of tools like HPLC for accurate diagnosis.
    • Prenatal Testing: Partnership with organizations like Sankalp India.
    • Newborn Screening: AIIMS Bhopal provides early detection.
    • Technology: A mobile app and National Sickle Cell Portal for tracking data.
  • Progress:Over 3.37 crore people screened, with 3.22 crore confirmed negative.
  • Target Groups:Focus on children, adolescents, youth, and adults for screening, counseling, and care.
• National Health Mission (NHM) (2013):
  • Emphasizes disease prevention and management, particularly for hereditary conditions like sickle cell.
  • Facilitates medications like hydroxyurea for treatment.
• National Guidelines for Stem Cell Research (2017):Regulates stem cell therapies and allows Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) for SCD.
• National Guidelines for Gene Therapy (2019):Guidelines for gene therapies for inherited disorders, including CRISPR treatment for SCD.
• State Haemoglobinopathy Mission of Madhya Pradesh:Addresses screening and management challenges of SCD in the state.

Global Awareness and Observances

• World Sickle Cell Awareness Day:
  • Observed on 19th June annually, with the 2024 theme: "Hope Through Progress: Advancing Sickle Cell Care Globally".
  • Aimed at raising awareness about SCD struggles, improving patient care, and finding a cure.