India's Mission to Eradicate Sickle Cell Anemia Advances with Extensive Screening
The National Sickle Cell Mission has screened six crore people out of the targeted seven crore for sickle cell disease (SCD). As of now, 2.15 lakh were diagnosed with SCD, and 16.7 lakh identified as carriers. Efforts focus on meeting screening targets and bolstering follow-up services.
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The Union health ministry announced significant strides in the National Sickle Cell Mission, with six crore people screened for sickle cell disease (SCD) from the targeted seven crore. Of those screened, 2.15 lakh individuals tested positive for the disease while 16.7 lakh were identified as carriers.
Progress has been remarkable in states such as Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, which have achieved high screening percentages. Odisha and Chhattisgarh, alongside Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, report the highest incidence of diagnosed cases.
Future endeavors include expanding screening capabilities, enhancing follow-up care, and providing counseling to affected individuals, as India advances towards its goal of eliminating sickle cell anemia by 2047, with Prime Minister Modi spearheading the mission inaugurated on July 1, 2023.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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