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The Health Ministry has checked more than 10 million people as part of the mission to eliminate sickle cell anemia in the country

the-health-ministry-has-checked-more-than-10-million-people-as-part-of-the-mission-to-eliminate-sickle-cell-anemia-in-the-country
The government, through the Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission, has checked more than 10 million people for the disease, according to the Union Health Ministry's official statement. The mission aims to screen 70 million people within three years.

National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination MissionThe Prime Minister launched the National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission on July 1, 2023, in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh. This program is working intensely to find, prevent, and manage sickle cell anemia in areas with many tribal and high-risk populations across different states and union territories in India.India has 67.8 million tribal people, making up 8.6% of the population, according to the 2011 Census.The mission focuses on 278 districts in 17 states with higher rates of sickle cell disease. These states include Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Bihar, and Uttarakhand.

Sickle cell disease (SCD)Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic blood problem found more often in tribal communities in India, but it can affect non-tribal people too. It happens when someone inherits two unusual genes, one from each parent, causing the creation of abnormal hemoglobin called hemoglobin S (HbS). Sometimes, HbS makes red blood cells stiff and shaped like crescent moons, which can block blood flow and cause pain and tissue damage.SCD also leads to anemia and reduces the ability to carry oxygen in the body. Symptoms include ongoing pain, anemia, vulnerability to infections, and harm to organs. Although there's no cure, treatments like blood transfusions and medication can help manage symptoms. In some cases, bone marrow or stem cell transplants may be considered. Early detection, regular medical care, and a healthy lifestyle can significantly improve the life quality of those with sickle cell disease.