Over 20 Lakh Tribals Screened for Sickle Cell Anaemia in 8 Years: CSIR DG

More than 20 lakh people from tribal regions across India have been screened for sickle cell anaemia over the past eight years, making it one of the most impactful health missions undertaken by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), according to its Director General, Dr. Nallathamby Kalaiselvi.

Speaking about the progress of the nationwide initiative, Dr. Kalaiselvi said the project has made significant strides in early detection and awareness of the disease among vulnerable populations, particularly in remote tribal belts where access to healthcare remains limited.

“This is one of the most successful missions under CSIR. More than 20 lakh people have been screened since the launch,” she noted.

The mission gained renewed momentum after the central government introduced the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission in the Union Budget 2023, officially launching it in July 2023. The goal of the mission is to eliminate sickle cell anaemia from India by 2047, aligning with the country’s centenary of independence.

Sickle cell anaemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects red blood cells, causing them to become sickle-shaped instead of their normal round form. This abnormal shape leads to blockage of blood vessels, severe pain episodes, anemia, and in some cases, organ damage and reduced life expectancy.

The condition is especially prevalent among tribal populations in states such as Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Gujarat.

As part of the mission, screening camps, awareness drives, and genetic counseling sessions are being held regularly, along with the development of affordable diagnostic tools and therapies. The initiative is a collaborative effort involving CSIR, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), state governments, and local healthcare workers.

Experts stress the importance of early diagnosis and regular monitoring, particularly in children, to mitigate the long-term effects of the disease and improve quality of life.

The mission continues to scale up its outreach, with digital health records and mobile labs being integrated to expand access in remote areas.