World Sickle Cell Day 2025

Source: PIB
GS II: Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. What is Sickle Cell?
3. Sickle Cell Disease in India

Why in the News?

On the occasion of World Sickle Cell Awareness Day across the country, extensive awareness programmes, lectures, seminars and webinars.

News in Brief

• National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities (NILD), Experts shared insights on the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease.
• Other national institutes and CRCs under the Department also conducted various awareness initiatives at the local level in observance of World Sickle Cell Day.
• These collective efforts aim to raise awareness about Sickle Cell Disease, empower communities, ensure timely diagnosis, and provide adequate support to affected families across the country.

What is Sickle Cell Disease?

• Sickle Cell Disease is a chronic, hereditary blood disorder.
• It is commonly found in tribal populations, which affects millions globally.
• The cells die early, leaving a shortage of healthy red blood cells (sickle cell anaemia) and can block blood flow, causing pain (sickle cell crisis).
• Symptoms: Infections, pain and fatigue are symptoms of sickle cell disease.
• Treatments: Treatments include medication, blood transfusions and rarely a bone-marrow transplant.
• This condition can’t be cured, but treatment can reduce the symptoms.

Sickle Cell Disease

• Every year, about 3 lakh children are born with sickle cell disease worldwide, most of whom are in African countries, India and Middle-Eastern regions.
• About 50–70% of these children do not reach the age of five due to lack of proper treatment.
• Therefore, there is a need for policies, resources and cooperation at the global level to prevent and control sickle cell disease.

World Sickle Cell Day 2025

• Recognised by the United Nations, this day reinforces global efforts for early diagnosis, effective treatment, and creating supportive community environments for those affected by the disease.
• The day, observed every year on 19th June, is a significant global health observance aimed at raising awareness about Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).

The theme of World Sickle Cell Day 2025 is, ‘Global Action, Local Impact: Empowering Communities for Effective Self-Advocacy’.

Sickle Cell Disease in India

• In India, this disease is more commonly seen in tribal and socially backwards communities, especially in Central India and Eastern India.
• Prevalence of sickle cell disease is high in states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
• Millions of people in India are either affected by sickle cell disease or are its carriers, most of whom are unaware of their condition.

Indian Mission against Sickle Cell Disease

• National Sickle Cell Elimination Mission
  • Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 1 July 2023
  • Aims to make India free from sickle cell disease by the year 2047.
  • Approach: Genetic testing of more than 7 crore people will be done to identify carrier individuals.
  • Process
    • Affordable and free screening
    • Pre-marital and pre-pregnancy tests
    • Public awareness campaigns
    • Free supply of medicines to affected people are being ensured.

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