World Sickle Cell Day 2024, Date, Theme, History and Significance
The United Nations General Assembly recognized sickle cell disease as a public health issue and designated 19 June as World Sickle Cell Day in December 2008. The day aims to raise awareness about the disease, promote early detection, and encourage preventive measures for patient relief.
The theme for the 2024 World Sickle Cell Day is “Hope through progress: Advancing Sickle Cell Care Globally.”
Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder that affects the red blood cells. In this condition, the red blood cells become sickle-shaped, hindering their smooth movement and oxygen transportation throughout the body.
There is currently no cure for sickle cell disease. Treatment focuses on preventing complications, organ damage (including strokes), and managing symptoms. Some treatment options include:
The Government of India has set a target to eliminate Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) by 2047. To achieve this goal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission on 1st July 2023 in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh. This mission is part of the National Health Mission.
The mission focuses on the tribal districts of 17 states where the prevalence of the disease is highest. It aims to create awareness and conduct universal screening of 7 crore people in the age group of 0-40 years in the affected tribal areas. Sickle cell disease is more prevalent in Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, western Odisha, eastern Gujarat, and certain areas of the Nilgiri Hills in north Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
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