World Sickle Cell Day 2024, Causes and Theme
Important Day
6 min read
19 June is observed worldwide as World Sickle Cell Day. Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder, and the day seeks to raise awareness about the disease amongst the public, government and other stakeholders. It also seeks to raise awareness so that the disease can be detected early and preventive measures can be used to provide relief to the patients.
Background to the World Sickle Cell Day
The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution in December 2008 to observe 19 June as World Sickle Cell Day. The resolution recognised Sickle Cell disease as a public health issue and the need to create awareness amongst the stakeholders to take necessary preventive measures.
Theme of the 2024 World Sickle Cell Day
The theme of the 2024 World Sickle Cell Day Is Hope through progress: Advancing Sickle Cell Care Globally.”
What is Sickle Cell Disease?
Sickle cell disease is a genetic disease that is passed from parents to children. It is a blood disorder that affects the red blood cells of the human body. Normally, the red blood cells of a healthy human are round in shape and move around the body carrying oxygen. They supply oxygen to the tissues of the body, enabling them to function normally.
In people suffering from sickle cell disease, the shape of the red blood cell becomes sickle-shaped. This creates problems with the smooth movement of red blood cells in the body. This gives rise to various medical complications.
Problems associated with sickle cell disease
Due to irregular movement of the red blood cell in the body the flow of oxygen in the body is reduced. It leads to Sickle Cell anemia.
A normal, healthy RBC has a lifespan of around 120 days. The sickle cell red blood cell has a life span of 10-20 days only. Due to the continuous destruction of red blood cells, the transportation of oxygen to various parts of the body is severely affected, leading to fatigue.
It also affects the flow of blood circulation in the hands and feet which leads to swelling and pain.
The sickled cells also damage the spleen which filters the blood of infections. A damaged spleen puts the person at a greater risk of infections.
It also leads to severe pain in the body.
Treatment and Cure
There is no cure for sickle cell disease. Early diagnosis and prevention of complications are critical to its treatment. Treatment aims to prevent organ damage, including strokes, prevent infection, and treat symptoms.
One treatment for sickle cell disease is a bone marrow transplant, which is very complicated.
Others are pain medications, the use of folic acid tablets for preventing severe anemia, taking antibiotics to deal with infections etc.
Government Mission for Elimination of SCD by 2047
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 at Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, on 1st July 2023.
The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission is part of the National Health Mission.
Focus area of the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission
The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission focuses on the tribal districts of 17 states where the prevalence of the disease is greatest.
The mission aims to create awareness and 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.
