New Delhi- India has achieved a major milestone in its campaign to eliminate sickle cell anemia, with 6 crore people screened so far under the National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission. This figure brings the country close to its ambitious target of screening 7 crore individuals. Out of those screened, more than 2.15 lakh people have been diagnosed with the disease, while 16.7 lakh have been identified as carriers. States have also issued around 2.6 crore health cards to the individuals who underwent screening.
States such as Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Telangana, Karnataka, and Uttarakhand have shown notable success, achieving high coverage rates compared to their targets. However, the highest number of diagnosed cases has emerged from Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
The screening process is being conducted using Point-of-Care Testing kits, which offer fast and reliable results. To manage the vast data generated, a national dashboard and a dedicated online portal have been launched, helping streamline and monitor the efforts across states.
Looking ahead, the mission will focus on expanding the screening to meet the remaining targets and ensuring follow-up care, including counselling for those found to be either carriers or affected by the disease.
Launched on July 1, 2023, by the Prime Minister at Shahdol in Madhya Pradesh, the mission aims to eliminate sickle cell anemia from India by the year 2047. The strategy includes raising awareness, conducting universal screening for individuals aged 0 to 40 years in tribal-dominated regions by 2025-26, and ensuring robust support from both central and state-level institutions.
