Centre Launches Mission to Eradicate Sickle Cell Anemia: Impacts 7 Crore Affected Tribals in 17 States
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On Saturday, Prime Minister Modi launched the National Sickle Cell Anemia Eradication Mission 2047 in Madhya Pradesh, emphasizing the importance of initiating a campaign to eradicate the disease.
Prime Minister Modi launched the National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission in Shahdol district. (Photo: PTI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Sickle Cell Anemia Eradication Mission 2047 on Saturday at Lalpur village in Shahdol district, Madhya Pradesh.
During the event, he distributed approximately 3.57 crore digital cards under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and over one crore PVC Ayushman Bharat cards.
PM Modi brought attention to the alarming statistic that half of the world’s sickle cell anemia cases are prevalent in India. He expressed concerns about the issue not receiving sufficient attention in the 70 years since India gained independence.
Acknowledging the disproportionate impact of the disease on tribal communities, the Prime Minister underscored the significance of launching a campaign to eradicate sickle cell anemia.
ABOUT SICKLE CELL ANEMIA
Sickle cell anemia is an inherited blood disorder that directly affects the red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. It is passed down from generation to generation. The disease manifests in symptoms that typically appear around the age of six months.
Common symptoms of sickle cell anemia include pain in the hands, feet, and joints, osteoporosis, frequent jaundice, liver swelling, bladder obstruction/pain, and gallbladder stones. Due to reduced blood flow or blockages, the disease hampers the oxygen flow in the body, leading to fatigue and overall body pain.
Individuals with sickle cell anemia can be classified as either carriers or patients. Carriers do not experience permanent symptoms but can pass the disease on to their children. In contrast, sickle patients experience ongoing symptoms and can also transmit the disease to their offspring.
SICKLE CELL ANEMIA ERADICATION MISSION 2047
The National Sickle Cell Anemia Eradication Mission was announced in the Union Budget 2023 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Its primary objective is to eliminate sickle cell anemia by raising awareness and conducting universal screening among approximately 7 crore individuals aged 0-40 years in affected tribal areas.
This ambitious mission will be executed in 278 districts spanning 17 states, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Bihar, and Uttarakhand.
The responsibility of leading this mission has been assumed by the BJP government, with Prime Minister Modi declaring it a top priority initiative. His vision is to make the eradication of sickle cell anemia the central mission for the coming years, ultimately freeing the tribals and the nation from the burden of this disease by 2047, the year India celebrates its centenary of independence.
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