Under the National Sickle Cell Elimination Mission, the Government of India plans to screen 70 million individuals under the age of 40 for sickle cell disease by the fiscal year 2025–26. This initiative, part of the National Health Mission (NHM), will primarily target 17 states with significant tribal populations.
These states include Maharashtra, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, among others.
Focus on High-Risk Populations
Dr. Manisha Madkaikar, Director of ICMR-CRHCM, Nagpur, explained to ANI that the mission prioritizes universal screening in areas with a high prevalence of the disease. “We aim to screen the entire population under 40 years in these high-burden regions. The target is nearly 7 crore individuals,” she stated.
Newborn Screening: A Crucial First Step
Dr. Madkaikar emphasized the importance of early diagnosis. “We can test for sickle cell disease immediately after birth. Early detection in newborns allows us to start treatment promptly, which significantly improves outcomes,” she said.
Antenatal Screening and Genetic Counseling
The mission also incorporates antenatal screening to identify at-risk pregnancies. According to Dr. Madkaikar, the first prenatal visit serves as an ideal opportunity for testing. “If a pregnant woman is identified as a carrier or is affected, we then test her partner. If both partners are carriers, we provide genetic counseling and offer fetal testing before 20 weeks of gestation,” she explained. The couple can then make informed decisions about continuing the pregnancy.
Indigenous Diagnostic Tools Bolster the Mission
As per Business Standard, India has made notable progress in the development of indigenous diagnostic kits for sickle cell disease. Over the past two to three years, ICMR-NIH and CRHCM have evaluated approximately 35 kits. These include point-of-care tests, molecular diagnostics, and solubility tests, all of which have now been validated for use under the national programme.
Dr. Madkaikar highlighted, “These tools are now widely available and have strengthened our capacity to conduct mass screenings effectively.”