Sickle cell disease (SCD)

Sickle cell disease (SCD)

Subject: Science and Technology

Section: Health

Context: In the union budget of FY 2023-24, it is announced to launch a mission to eliminate sickle cell anaemia by 2047.

Concept:

• Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic single gene disorder causing a debilitating systemic syndrome characterized by chronic anaemia, acute painful episodes, organ infarction and chronic organ damage and by a significant reduction in life expectancy.
• It is characterized by a modification in the shape of the red blood cell from a smooth, donut-shape into a crescent or half-moon shape.
• These cells lack plasticity and can block small blood vessels, impairing blood flow. This condition leads to shortened red blood cell survival, and subsequent anaemia, often called sickle-cell anaemia.
• This leads to chronic acute pain syndromes, severe bacterial infections, and necrosis (tissue death).
• Anaemia is a medical condition in which the red blood cell count or haemoglobin is less than normal. Symptoms of anaemia include Fatigue, Shortness of breath, Hair loss etc.

Treatment: It can be managed by simple procedures including:

• High fluid intake
• Healthy diet
• Folic acid/Iron supplementation
• Pain medication
• Vaccination and antibiotics for the prevention and treatment of infections
• A number of other therapeutic measures.

Indian scenario:

• Sickle cell disease (SCD), which is the most prevalent inherited blood disorder, is widespread amongst many tribal population groups in India
• The disease in India is prevalent predominantly in Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, western Odisha, eastern Gujarat and in pockets of the Nilgiri Hills in north Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
• Under National Health Mission, Government of India supports the states for prevention and management of sickle cell disease. Further in terms of treatment, support is given under NHM for capsule hydroxyurea, free blood transfusion for all Sickle cell patients (men & women) as per State’s proposal.
• In the union budget of FY 2023-24, it is announced to launch a mission to eliminate sickle cell anemia by 2047. The mission entails focus on awareness creation, universal screening of approximately seven crore people in the 0-40 years age group in affected tribal areas and counselling through collaborative efforts of central ministries and state governments.