Chhattisgarh is making remarkable strides in the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, having screened over 1.28 crore individuals for the rare blood disorder. In contrast, Bihar is struggling, with only around 1,960 people screened, according to recent government data.
The mission, which aims to screen more than seven crore people across India, has made significant progress, reaching the halfway mark with over 4.11 crore individuals screened as of September 3. Among the top-performing states are Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh (65.10 lakh), Maharashtra (42.64 lakh), Odisha (37.20 lakh), and Gujarat (35.06 lakh). On the other end of the spectrum, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, and Bihar have fallen behind, with Bihar showing the lowest screening numbers.
Chhattisgarh’s extensive screening efforts reflect its commitment to combating Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), which has a high prevalence in states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Odisha. These states are leading the charge in addressing the disease’s impact.
Sickle Cell Disease is a genetic blood disorder that distorts red blood cells, causing severe pain and various health complications. India has the second-highest prevalence of this disease globally, following Africa. Each year, approximately 1.5 to 2 lakh children are born with SCD, with more than half struggling to survive past the age of five.
The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 1, 2023, aims to tackle the disease through both screening and awareness initiatives. The mission seeks to ensure early detection and treatment, while also educating the public about the disease to prevent its transmission to future generations.
As the mission progresses, efforts continue to enhance screening coverage and raise awareness, particularly in states lagging behind, to achieve comprehensive control over this challenging health issue.
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