Every year, June 19 is observed as World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, a global effort initiated by the United Nations to raise awareness about sickle cell disease (SCD) — a genetic blood disorder that affects millions worldwide, especially in India’s tribal and rural populations.

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While many are unaware of the disease, new data from Nagpur's Daga Hospital has shed light on the growing health concern. In a significant healthcare milestone, the hospital screened over 10,000 pregnant women, revealing that more than 5% were sickle cell carriers.

What is Sickle Cell Disease?

Sickle cell disease is a hereditary blood disorder in which red blood cells become rigid and shaped like a sickle, blocking blood flow and leading to severe pain, organ damage, and complications like stroke, infections, and even early death.

It is inherited genetically from both parents and can be diagnosed through a simple blood test. A person who inherits one faulty gene is a carrier (trait); inheriting two leads to full-blown SCD.

Why Is This Important for India?

India has one of the highest global burdens of sickle cell disease, particularly in states like:

-  Maharashtra

-  Madhya Pradesh

-  Odisha

-  Chhattisgarh

-  Gujarat

-  Jharkhand

According to government data, over 20 million people in India are carriers, and more than 1.5 million are affected by the disease.

Recently, Daga Hospital in Nagpur became a regional beacon of progress:

 10,000+ pregnant women screened

 Over 1,500 patients under active treatment

 Community health outreach programs in tribal belts

Experts Call for Mandatory Testing

Prominent hematologist Dr. Vinky Rughwani has publicly urged the government to mandate sickle cell testing in schools and colleges. He argues that early screening will help prevent “genetic mismatches” in marriages, reducing the number of future cases.

 > “If sickle cell testing becomes a part of routine health checks in schools, we can eliminate the disease within a generation,” says Dr. Rughwani.

Government's Response: Mission 2047

 In 2023, India launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, with a vision to:

-  Eliminate sickle cell disease by 2047

-  Screen 70 million people across high-risk zones

-  Provide free treatment and genetic counseling

-  Integrate SCD awareness in rural healthcare

States like Chhattisgarh and Odisha have already begun mass screening campaigns.

How Can Awareness Help?

Many people in India are unaware they are carriers. Early testing before marriage or pregnancy can prevent the birth of affected children. Raising awareness in schools, colleges, and local communities can help break the cycle of transmission.

Simple steps include:

-  Voluntary genetic testing

-  Blood screening during pregnancy

-  Awareness drives in schools and colleges

-  Counselling at primary health centers

Call to Action 

On this World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, let’s support India’s fight against this silent yet deadly disorder. Share this information, encourage testing in your community, and push for education-based interventions in schools and colleges.

Awareness today can save lives tomorrow.

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