World Sickle Cell Day, also known as World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, is annually observed across the globe on June 19 to raise awareness about Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), a chronic and inherited blood disorder.
- The day underscores the significance of early diagnosis, improved access to treatment, and ongoing research aimed at discovering a definitive cure.
- World Sickle Cell Awareness Day is officially recognized by both the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote efforts for its prevention, management, and care.
Theme:
The theme of World Sickle Cell Day 2025 is “Global Action, Local Impact: Empowering Communities for Effective Self-Advocacy,” highlights the importance of amplifying the voices of individuals affected by SCD and promoting community-driven solutions for care and advocacy.
Background:
i.In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared 19th June as World Sickle Cell Day.
ii.The first-ever World Sickle Cell Day was observed on 19th June 2009.
About Sickle Cell Disease (SCD):
i.SCD is an inherited genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the haemoglobin gene, which leads to the production of abnormal haemoglobin, which causes red blood cells (RBCs) to become sickle-shaped.
- These abnormally shaped cells can block blood vessels and restrict the flow of oxygen, leading to various health complications.
ii.Impact: Disrupts blood flow and oxygen delivery, leading to: Chronic anaemia, Severe pain (crises), Infections and Organ damage.
iii.Common Symptoms: Chest pain, Chronic fatigue, Shortness of breath, Dactylitis (painful swelling in hands and feet), Dark urine and Frequent infections.
iv.Types: Main types include Haemoglobin SS (HbSS – most severe), Haemoglobin SC (HbSC), and Haemoglobin S beta-thalassemia (HbS beta+ or HbS beta0).
2025 Events:
A 7-day awareness campaign on 13th–20th June 2025, was held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh (MP), led by Member of Parliament (MP) Shankar Lalwani and Homeopathic Physician Dr. Ashvani Kumar Dwivedi, in collaboration with the scheme Sansad Seva Prakalp and Advanced Homoeopathic Medical Research and Welfare Society.
- Activities included: Free blood testing camps, Haemoglobin electrophoresis awareness, Street plays and Health education sessions.
Initiatives in India:
i.In the Union Budget 2023–24, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) announced the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, aimed at eradicating Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA) by 2047 through universal screening and awareness initiatives .
ii.The mission was officially launched by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on 1st July 2023 in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh (MP).
iii.The initiative is being implemented under the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, with a focus on improving health outcomes among tribal communities who are disproportionately affected by SCA.
iv.By August 2024, over 3.85 crore individuals across 17 states had been screened, including 70 million people aged 0–40 in tribal regions
v.Similarly, Gujarat’s first sickle-cell CoC in Surat, equipped with a Rs 6 crore budget, received Union approval, offering patient care, research, and training facilities in tribal districts.
Key Facts:
i.Around 7.7 million people affected globally, with ~34,000 deaths each year; approximately 80% of cases occur in sub-Saharan Africa.
ii.India ranks second globally in terms of the burden of SCD, with over 1 million people currently living with the condition.
iii.Each year, an estimated 1.5 to 2 lakh children are born with SCD in India, highlighting its significant public health challenge.
iv.Among tribal communities, 1 in 86 births is affected; carrier rates range from 1% to 40% in high-prevalence groups
