On the occasion of World Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Awareness Day on 19th June, numerous events were organized across the country to create awareness regarding the disease and halt transmission of Sickle Cell Disease.
Sickle cell disease (SCD)
- Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder characterized by abnormal red blood cells that take on a crescent or sickle shape.
- These irregularly shaped cells can cause blockages in blood vessels, leading to various health complications.
- Affecting millions of people in the world, the disease disproportionately affects the tribal populations in India.
- To tackle the pressing issue of SCD in the country, the National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission (NSCAEM) was launched on 1st July 2023 at Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
- The mission’s objective is to provide affordable, accessible, and quality care to all SCD patients reduce the prevalence of SCD, and eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia by 2047.
- The mission focuses on screening and managing individuals aged 0-40 yrs.
