Source: PIB

Why in News?

More than 1 crore people have been screened for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) under the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission.

• The Mission launched in 2023, with aim to eliminate sickle cell anemia from India by 2047.

What is Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)?

Definition of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD): It is a genetic disorder that affects the red blood cells. SCD is characterized by an abnormal form of hemoglobin(the protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen). Those person have Sickle Cell Disease inherit two abnormal hemoglobin genes, one from each parent.

• Symptoms:
  • Symptoms of sickle cell disease can vary, but some common symptoms include:
    • Chronic Anaemia: Sickle cells have a shorter lifespan than normal red blood cells, leading to a chronic shortage of red blood cells in the body which causes fatigue, weakness, and paleness.
    • Painful episodes (also known as sickle cell crisis): these can cause sudden and intense pain in the bones, chest, back, arms, and legs. Reason behind is that the sickle-shaped red blood cells can get stuck in small blood vessels, leading to pain. Sickle cells can block blood flow to organs, causing Organ damage over time. This can lead to complications such as stroke, kidney damage, and damage to the lungs.
    • Individuals are more susceptible to infections, particularly from certain bacteria.
    • Hand-Foot Syndrome cause swelling and pain in the hands and feet.
    • Delayed growth and puberty, Jaundice, Vision Problems are also seen as a symptom of SCD.
    • The severity of symptoms can vary widely among individuals with SCD, even among those with the same genetic mutation.
• Geographical: Most commonly found in African, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Indian ancestry Population . However, it can occur in any ethnic group.
• Treatment:
  • Currently, no cure for Sickle Cell Disease, but various treatments and management strategies aim to alleviate symptoms.
  • Blood Transfusions: These can help relieve anemia and reduce the risk of pain crises.
  • Hydroxyurea: This is a medication that can help reduce the frequency of painful episodes and prevent some of the long-term complications of the disease.
  • It can also be treated by bone marrow or stem cell transplantation.
  • Early detection through newborn screening and comprehensive medical care are crucial

Government Initiatives to Tackle SCD:

• The Government of India, through the National Health Mission, is supporting the states in their efforts to prevent and manage sickle cell disease.
• In Union Budget 2023-24, the government has announced a mission to eliminate Sickle cell Anaemia by 2047.
• National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission.