World Sickle Cell Day-2025: 19 June

Why in news?

• Every year 'World Sickle Cell Day' is celebrated on 19 June.
• This year’s global theme is “Global Action, Local Impact: Impowering Communities for Effective Self-Advocacy.”
• This day was started by the United Nations General Assembly in the year 2008, so that sickle cell disease can be accepted as a serious health problem at the global level and efforts to deal with it can be strengthened.

Objective of World Sickle Cell Day:

• The main objective of this day is to make the common people, governments and health organizations aware of the seriousness of this disease and to ensure timely investigation, counseling and treatment through joint efforts.
• This day also gives the message that if young couples can get pre-marital gene testing and counseling, then future generations can be saved from this disease.
• This day also draws attention to the rights of the affected people, accessible treatment for them and social acceptance.

What is sickle cell disease?

• Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder in which a person's red blood cells become sickle-shaped instead of the normal round shape, making them rigid and unable to flow easily through blood vessels.
• This condition disrupts oxygen supply, causing severe pain in various parts of the body, swelling, organ damage, infections and sometimes even death.
• This disease occurs when a person inherits faulty haemoglobin genes (HbS) from both parents; if only one gene is received, the person is called a 'carrier'.

Treatment and management of sickle cell disease:

• There is no permanent cure for sickle cell disease, but its symptoms can be effectively managed.
• A medicine called hydroxyurea reduces pain attacks and makes cells flexible.
• Regular blood transfusions provide relief in severe conditions.
• Vaccinations, antibiotics to protect against infection and a balanced diet help patients lead a normal life.
• In some cases, permanent cure of the disease can be possible with bone marrow transplant, but it is not accessible to all.

Status of sickle cell disease in India:

• In India, this disease is more commonly seen in tribal and socially backward 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.

Government efforts: National Sickle Cell Elimination Mission

• The 'National Sickle Cell Elimination Mission' was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 1 July 2023, which aims to make India free from sickle cell disease by the year 2047.
• Under this mission, genetic testing of more than 7 crore people will be done to identify carrier individuals and provide them counseling and treatment.
• Under this initiative, affordable and free screening, pre-marital and pre-pregnancy tests, public awareness campaigns, and free supply of medicines to affected people are being ensured.

Global situation and need:

• 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.