Why in the news?
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, commemorated International Sickle Cell Day at Omkareshwar and highlighted the achievements of the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (NSCAEM).
National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (2023)
- Launched to eliminate Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) as a public health problem by 2047.
- Targets screening of 7 crore people (0-40 years age group) in affected tribal and high-prevalence areas.
- One of the world’s largest genetic disease screening programmes.
- So far: Around 2.5 lakh patients identified. Over 20 lakh carriers detected.
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)
- A hereditary genetic blood disorder caused by mutation in the haemoglobin gene.
- Red blood cells become sickle-shaped, reducing oxygen supply.
- Leads to anaemia, pain episodes, infections, organ damage, and reduced life expectancy.
- Inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern.
High-Risk Areas in India
- Predominantly affects tribal populations across Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Gujarat, Jharkhand, and Rajasthan
Madhya Pradesh Initiatives
- Sickle Mitra Initiative: Trains volunteers, NCC cadets, and civil society members for awareness and patient support.
- Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan (2025): Screened over 4 lakh women for SCD.
[2023] Consider the following statements in the context of interventions being undertaken under Anaemia Mukt Bharat Strategy:
1. It provides prophylactic calcium supplementation for pre-school children, adolescents and pregnant women.
2. It runs a campaign for delayed cord clamping at the time of child- birth.
3. It provides for periodic deworming to children and adolescents.
4. It addresses non-nutritional causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
[A] Only one
[B] Only two
[C] Only three
[D] All four