National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination

National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (NSCAEM) was launched in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh

Key Points

MP is a state with the highest tribal population in terms of absolute numbers as per Census 2011 and also has the highest burden of sickle cell anaemia.

It focuses on addressing the significant health challenges posed by sickle cell disease, particularly among tribal populations of the country.
The mission is being implemented in a mission mode as part of the National Health Mission (NHM) and aims to eliminate sickle cell anaemia from the country by 2047, the 100th year of India’s independence.

Mission is to improve care of all Sickle Cell Disease patients for their better future and to lower the prevalence of the disease through multi-faced coordinated approach towards screening and awareness strategies
The mission focuses on awareness creation, universal screening of approximately seven crore people in the 0-40 years age group in affected tribal areas and counseling through collaborative efforts of central ministries and state governments.
States covered: The mission will be implemented in 278 districts of 17 states in India namely Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Bihar, and Uttarakhand.

The mission will create awareness among the public and health workers about the prevention and management of sickle cell anaemia.
It will reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with sickle cell anaemia, and enhances the quality of life of the affected individuals and families.
It will also contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals related to health, education and social inclusion.

Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disease which affects the whole life of affected patient.
It is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders that affect haemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen through the body.
The red blood cells are disc-shaped and flexible enough to move easily through the blood vessels. If people have sickle cell disease their red blood cells are crescent or “sickle” shaped.
These cells do not bend or move easily and can block blood flow to the rest of their body leading to serious problems, including stroke, eye problems, infections, and episodes of pain called pain crises.
It is more common in the tribal population of lndia, but occurs in non tribals too.
It not only causes anemia but also pain crises, reduced growth, and affects many organs like lungs, heart, kidney, eyes, bones and the brain
It is transmitted by parents carrying a defective ‘beta globin’ gene and one of the most common inherited blood disorders in the world, affecting millions of people, especially those of African, Asian and Mediterranean descent.