Sickle Cell Anaemia and National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission

04 Jul Sickle Cell Anaemia and National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “Sickle Cell Anaemia and National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission”. The topic “Sickle Cell Anaemia” has relevance in the “Science and Technology as well as Government Schemes” sections of the UPSC CSE exam.

For Prelims:

What is the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, objectives, implementing agency?

What is Sickle Cell Anaemia? Causes, Treatment? 

For Mains:

GS2/ GS3: What are the steps taken by the government to eradicate Sickle Cell Anaemia? 

Why in the news?

Recently, the Prime Minister launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission in Madhya Pradesh’s Shahdol (MP) on 1st July 2023.

National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission:

• The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Program, introduced in the Union Budget 2023, focuses on addressing the health challenges of sickle cell disease among tribal populations.
• Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic single gene disorder that causes chronic anemia, acute painful episodes, organ infarction, and chronic organ damage.
• The program is implemented in 17 high-focus 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 program aims to 
  • improve care for SCD patients, 
  • reduce the prevalence of the disease, 
  • eliminate sickle cell genetic transmission by 2047.
• The program is executed under the National Health Mission (NHM) in a mission mode.
• Over three years (spanning from the fiscal year 2023-24 to 2025-26), approximately 7.0 crore people will be screened, promoting early diagnosis and intervention.

Sickle Cell Disease:

Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders that affect hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen through the body. 

• Normally, red blood cells are disc-shaped and flexible, facilitating easy movement through blood vessels. Sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to become crescent-shaped, hindering their ability to bend and move freely.
• The altered shape of sickle cells can block blood flow in the body, leading to severe complications.
• Complications include stroke, eye problems, infections, and episodes of pain known as pain crises.

Causes: 

• SCD occurs due to a change in the hemoglobin protein found in red blood cells, known as hemoglobin S. 
• When these red blood cells pass through tiny blood vessels called capillaries, they can form rigid and sticky strands. 
• These strands often get stuck and block the capillaries, preventing adequate oxygen supply to various parts of the body.

Symptoms:

• Newborns with SCD usually do not show symptoms until around 5 or 6 months old.
• Early signs and symptoms of SCD may include:
  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
  • Fatigue or fussiness due to anemia
  • Painful swelling of the hands and feet

Treatment:

• Sickle cell disease is a lifelong condition with no known cure, although a blood and bone marrow transplant can offer a potential cure.

• There are treatments available to manage symptoms and prolong life.
• Hydroxyurea, Blood Transfusion are some of the treatments used in India. 

Other steps taken by government to tackle SCD:

• Under the National Health Mission, the Government of India supports states in preventing and managing sickle cell disease based on their annual proposals.
• Treatment support under the National Health Mission includes providing hydroxyurea capsules and free blood transfusions for all sickle cell patients based on state proposals.
• A State Hemoglobinopathy Mission has been established in Madhya Pradesh to address screening and management challenges of sickle cell disease.
• The government of Madhya Pradesh has set up Integrated Centers for Hemophilia and Hemoglobinopathies across 22 tribal districts, aiming to offer medical care and diagnostic services to individuals affected by these conditions.

What should be done to eliminate the SCD on mission mode?

• Early Diagnosis and Treatment:

• • Timely detection through testing is crucial for early management and personalized care.
  • Neonatal screening and preventive measures have improved survival rates.

• Premarital Counseling and Prenatal Screening:

• • Testing couples before marriage helps in informed decision-making to prevent passing on the disease.
  • Prenatal screening enables access to appropriate care and interventions.

• Enhancing Awareness and Education:

• • Public education campaigns dispel myths and promote informed decision-making.

• Improved Healthcare Services:

• • Access to specialized care, regular check-ups, and pain management are essential.
  • Vaccination, timely drug treatment, and training for healthcare providers are crucial.

• Population Screening and Public Health:

• • Regular screening benefits public health planning and resource allocation.
  • Identifying individuals with the sickle cell trait aids education and awareness.

• Research and Advancements:

• • Testing contributes to ongoing research, advancements, and potential cure exploration.

Way forward: 

To eliminate sickle cell anemia in India, a comprehensive approach is needed, including awareness, screening, improved healthcare access, research, and collaboration among individuals, communities, healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers.

Sources: Eradicating sickle cell disease, securing the future of India’s tribal communities | The Indian Express 

Q1. With reference to Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), consider the following statements: 

1. Sickle cell disease comprises a collection of hereditary disorders affecting white blood cells.
2. SCD occurs due to a change in the hemoglobin protein.
3. A potential cure for SCD can be achieved through a blood and bone marrow transplant.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only 

(d) 1, 2 and 3 

Answer: (c) 

Q2. National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission was launched recently, consider the following statements with reference to it: 

1. The program was launched in the 2023 Union Budget with the aim of tackling the health challenges posed by sickle cell disease specifically among tribal communities.
2. The mission aims to eliminate sickle cell genetic transmission by 2030.
3. The program is implemented in all North-Eastern states and Union Territories of India. 

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one 

(b) Only two 

(c) All three 

(d) None

Answer: (a)

Q3. India aims to eradicate Sickle Cell Anaemia by 2047. What are the steps taken by the government to eradicate Sickle Cell Anaemia? 

Gaurav N