World Sickle Cell Day, also known as “World Sickle Cell Awareness Day” is annually observed across the globe on 19th June to raise awareness about Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and its impact on individuals, families, and communities worldwide.
The theme of World Sickle Disease Day 2023 (observed on 19th June 2023) is ‘Building and strengthening global sickle cell communities, formalizing newborn screening and knowing your sickle cell disease status’.
- The 2023 theme launched by the Global Alliance of Sickle Cell Disease Organizations (GASCDO) highlights the importance of advanced technology in identifying sickle cell disease.
Background:
i.In December 2009, the United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/63/237 and recognised the sickle cell disease(SCD) as public health problem.
ii.The resolution also urged the members of the UN to create awareness about SCD on 19th June every year at national and international levels;
What is Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)?
i.SCD is an inherited blood disorder that causes sickle-shaped red blood cells that can stick together which blocks blood flow and oxygen from reaching all parts of the body.
ii.Red blood cells are usually round and flexible so they move easily through blood vessels. These cells also don’t live longer compared with normal blood cells.
iii.As a result, one can also develop anaemia and the condition is known as sickle cell anaemia.
So far, there is no cure for most people with SCD and treatments can relieve pain and help avoid complications associated with the disease.
Symptoms:
i. Over time, people with sickle cell disorders can experience damage to organs including the liver, kidney, lungs, heart, and spleen.
ii. Early signs and symptoms of sickle cell include swelling of hands and feet. This swelling is known as dactylitis.
iii.The skin becomes yellowish (resembling jaundice). The whites of the eyes might also become yellow.
iv.Disrupted blood flow can also cause problems with your eye health where the retina may get damaged.
World Sickle Cell Day 2023 observance in India:
i.On the occasion of World Sickle Cell Day 2023 (19th June 2023), Union Minister Arjun Munda, Ministry of Tribal Affairs(MoTA), chaired a Workshop on Sickle Cell Anaemia Disease, organized at the National Tribal Research Institute(NTRI) in New Delhi, Delhi.
- Union Minister Munda stated that MoTA will work with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare(MoH&FW) and other relevant Ministries to prevent, control and manage SCD.
ii.Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment(MoSJE) has organised various events across India to mark the observance of World Sickle Cell Day 2023
GoI set to Launch Mission to Eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia
The government of India is set to launch the implementation of the “National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission” from Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh(MP), in a mission mode across India to enable screening and health profiling of the 7 crore population in the age group of 0-40 in affected tribal areas.
- Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi is expected to launch the mission on 27th June 2023.
Key Points:
i.According to the data from MoTA, SCD is widespread among the tribal population in India. It is estimated that 1 in 86 births among Scheduled Tribes(STs) has SCD.
Note: According to the Census 2011, Madhya Pradesh is a state with the highest tribal population in terms of numbers.
About the Mission:
i.During the Union Budget 2023-24, the GoI proposed the mission to eliminate sickle cell anaemia by 2047.
ii.The mission entails the creation of awareness of SCD, universal Screening of the people in affected tribal areas and counselling through collaborative efforts of central Ministries and state governments.
iii.The screening will be done by the health ministry through the National Health Mission(NHM), with targets set for states and the tribal affairs ministry.
