Budget 2023: Govt is planning to eliminate sickle-cell anaemia by 2047

• 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.
• The mission will entail awareness creation, universal screening of seven crore people in the 0-40 years age group in affected tribal areas and counselling through collaborative efforts of central ministries and state governments.
• There are approximately 200 districts in the country where the disease is prevalent, mostly in Maharashtra. Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Odisha.

About:

• Sickle-cell anaemia is one of a group of inherited disorders known as sickle-cell disease. Due to this genetic anomaly, the red blood cells of the affected person become misshapen and break down. Due to the abnormal shape, the blood flow is affected. Usually,
• Red blood cells are usually round and flexible, so they move easily through blood vessels. In sickle cell anaemia, some red blood cells are shaped like sickles or crescent moons. These sickle cells also become rigid and sticky.
• Symptoms of sickle cell disease can vary, but some common symptoms include:
  • Chronic Anaemia:leading to 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.
  • Delayed growth and puberty
• Treatment:
  • Blood Transfusions:These can help relieve anaemia 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
• Government Initiatives to Tackle SCD:
  • Government has released technical operational guidelines for prevention and control of hemoglobinopathies in 2016including sickle cell
  • Integrated centers have also been established in 22 tribal districts for treatment and diagnosis.
  • The State Haemoglobinopathy Mission has been established in Madhya Pradesh to address the challenges in screening and management of the disease