President Droupadi Murmu expressed confidence that India will eradicate sickle cell anaemia well before the government’s target year of 2047. Speaking at a state-level programme on World Sickle Cell Day in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh, she urged all States to strengthen efforts to eliminate the inherited blood disorder, particularly among tribal communities.
Collective Efforts Key to Achieving the Goal
The President emphasized that coordinated action by States and the Centre will play a crucial role in achieving the national target ahead of schedule. She called on governments and health officials not to underestimate the disease, as it passes from one generation to another and continues to affect vulnerable populations.
Moreover, she highlighted that effective treatment and early intervention can help eliminate the disease, making awareness and screening critical components of the mission.
Screening Targets Achieved Ahead of Schedule
President Murmu noted that the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, launched in 2023, has already achieved its screening target ahead of schedule. Under the programme, authorities have screened more than seven crore people, ranging from newborns to individuals up to 40 years of age.
Furthermore, the screening drive has identified approximately 2.5 lakh people living with the disease and over 20 lakh carriers. The President described this achievement as one of the world’s largest genetic disease screening initiatives.
Focus on Tribal Communities
The President pointed out that scientific studies have consistently shown a higher prevalence of sickle cell anaemia among tribal communities than in the general population. Therefore, she stressed the need for extensive awareness campaigns, premarital genetic counselling, early detection, and continuous healthcare support.
As per The Hindu, President Murmu said India would achieve its national goal of eliminating sickle cell disease much earlier than 2047 through the active participation and collective strength of all States. She also underscored the importance of integrating tribal health initiatives, genetic science, digital monitoring, and behavioural change programmes to tackle the disease effectively.
National Mission Gains Momentum
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission in July 2023 with the objective of eliminating the disease by 2047. Since then, the Centre has adopted a comprehensive strategy involving the Ministries of Health and Tribal Affairs to accelerate screening, diagnosis, treatment, and awareness efforts across the country.
With screening targets already surpassed and awareness initiatives expanding rapidly, the government remains optimistic about achieving a sickle cell-free India well before the centenary year of Independence.