RAIPUR: Lately, the Chhattisgarh government has been directing its energies on tackling Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), a genetic disorder that disproportionately affects the tribal population. There is no cure for Sickle Cell Disease as it causes anemia, thalassemia leading to high mortality in the country’s tribal population.
Over a year ago in Ambikapur, its Primary Health Center took a crucial step by establishing the Sickle Cell Disease management unit in Nawapara. This health center is on a mission to provide relief from the debilitating effects of SCD. So far, they have conducted screenings for over 4,500 individuals at this facility, with 211 SCD patients undergoing successful treatment.
Understanding sickle cell disease
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), also known as sickle cell anemia or drepanocytosis, is a hereditary blood disorder characterized by abnormally shaped red blood cells. These red blood cells have a rigid, crescent-like structure, which reduces their flexibility and leads to various complications.
To understand the gravity of the situation in state’s tribal population, we spoke with Dr. Sikand Singh Chauhan of Ambikapur Health Centre, who stressed the importance of raising awareness about SCD and educating the community on how to prevent its passage to the next generation. “I’d like to explain the nature of Sickle Cell, with a focus on the two primary types, AS and SS. AS represents the carrier, while SS is the full-blown disease. These conditions are characterized by abnormally shaped red blood cells, which can lead to various health complications. When it comes to transmission between a husband and wife, it’s important to note that Sickle Cell is a genetic disease and does not spread through sexual contact, physical touch, or cohabitation. It’s inherited from parents to their offspring through their genes. We want to inform and empower our community about this vital health issue,” says Dr. Sikand Singh Chauhan to Health On Air.
Research on Sickle Cell Disease in Chhattisgarh
A research paper titled “The Screening and Morbidity Pattern of Sickle Cell Anemia in Chhattisgarh” delves into the prevalence and clinical aspects of SCD in Chhattisgarh, India. The study conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 15,701 individuals across three districts: Kanker, Dantewada, and Raigarh. The findings unveiled a prevalence of 10.6% for sickle cell trait (HbAS) and 0.66% for sickle cell disease (HbSS or inconclusive band). Some patients exhibited double heterozygosity for Hb-S and other hemoglobin variants, and the research identified a negative correlation between the number of blood transfusions and fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels. During vaso-occlusive crises, SCD patients exhibited lower levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCH, and RBC. This research equips us with valuable insights into the impact and clinical manifestations of SCD in Chhattisgarh.
In a promising move, the Chhattisgarh government is enhancing the Sickle Cell Institute into a center of excellence, with an estimated cost of Rs 48.12 crore. This initiative is geared towards better addressing the needs of the population affected by SCD, which accounts for approximately 10% of the state’s population. The upgraded institute will not only benefit Chhattisgarh’s residents but also extend its services to neighboring states, especially Jharkhand. It aims to raise awareness about sickle cell prevention, facilitate early disease identification, and provide necessary counseling to individuals with sickle cell to help curb its spread. The institute, equipped with 100 beds and various medical facilities, is a testament to the government’s commitment to fighting this challenging health issue.
As Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel stated, “Sickle cell affects around 10% of Chhattisgarh’s population, posing a major challenge. To address this issue, our government is committed to upgrading the state’s Sickle Cell Institute as a center of excellence, enhancing facilities, and accelerating research. Alongside treatment, raising awareness about sickle cell prevention is crucial.”
District-wise Data of Sickle Cell Patients in Chhattisgarh
In a final note, here is the district-wise data of sickle cell patients in Chhattisgarh, listed in descending order:
- Raiearh – 210,4552.
- Raipur – 29,2823.
- Mahasamund – 158,8104.
- Dhamtari – 7,3845.
- Mungeli – 9,9346.
- Garivaband – 8,6617.
- Durg – 5,5948.
- Baloda Bazar – 3369.
- Balod – 56110.
- Kabeerdham – 45811.
- Kondagaon – 26012.
- Korba – 26813.
- Dakshin Bastar Dantewada – 34414.
- Jashpur – 32315.
- Bastar – 10616.
- Narayanpur – 12817.
- Bilaspur – 119.
These figures highlight the pressing need for concerted efforts to combat Sickle Cell Disease in Chhattisgarh, particularly in the regions where it has the highest impact. The government’s mission, along with medical institutions and the support of the community, aims to provide relief, treatment, and hope to those affected by this genetic disorder.
Government initiatives and the national sickle cell anaemia elimination mission
The Indian government, in collaboration with pharmaceutical companies, is actively considering the development of a vaccine for sickle cell anemia as part of the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This mission, with a goal to eradicate the disease by 2047, focuses on upgrading healthcare facilities, establishing blood banks, offering bone marrow transplants, and even discussions on vaccinating patients under this mission. It is a concerted effort to alleviate the suffering of individuals, particularly women and children in tribal regions, where SCD is most prevalent.
In July this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched this national mission to eliminate sickle cell anemia in India. This mission has set the ambitious target of screening over 70 million young tribal individuals for early disease detection and providing essential therapies. It places a strong emphasis on raising awareness and universal screening across 278 districts in 17 states. India, particularly states like Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, have a significant number of SCD cases.
This mission was launched ahead of 2023 assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan, where a significant tribal population is affected by the disease. It combines screening and awareness strategies to facilitate early detection and treatment. While bone marrow transplants represent the only cure for SCD, there are treatments available to alleviate pain and improve patients’ quality of life. The government is committed to saving thousands of lives affected by sickle cell anemia through this mission.
The Union Health Ministry, in partnership with the ministry of tribal affairs, has laid out a comprehensive roadmap to screen around 70 million tribal individuals under 40 years of age in approximately 200 districts with a high incidence of SCD. Chhattisgarh has been selected as the starting point for this screening.
Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder, and the screening will be done using a rapid “point of care” histological test that requires a simple blood sample. The aim is to raise awareness and provide premarital counseling to vulnerable populations about the risk of having a child with sickle cell anemia if both partners are affected by the disease. The government’s goal is to reduce the prevalence of SCD in the country.
The announcement of this mission was made in the Union Budget 2023. It underscores the urgency of eliminating sickle cell anemia by 2047, emphasizing the importance of awareness, universal screening, and counseling. Sickle cell anemia is a widespread blood disorder, and India carries a substantial disease burden.
