Sickle Cell Eradication

Health India

November 15, 2024

A commemorative postage stamp on the Sickle Cell Eradication Mission – 2047, an initiative aims to create a healthier future for tribal communities of Madhya Pradesh :

Issued by India

Issued on Nov 15, 2024

Issued for : Department of Posts is proud to release a commemorative postage stamp on Sickle Cell Eradication-2047 to promote awareness and education about this serious disease.

Credits :
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/Cancellation Cachet : Sh. Suresh Kumar

Type : Stamp, Mint Condition

Colour : Multi Colour

Denomination : 500 Paise

Stamps Printed : 2,02,800

Printing Process : Wet Offset

Printer : Security Printing Press, Hyderabad

About :

There are about 1.5 crore people in the tribal community in Madhya Pradesh. Tribal-dominated communities have a high incidence of sickle cell anemia, which is a serious health concern in these areas. Genetic counseling and community-level screening are crucial for managing patients and preventing the hereditary spread of the disease. The State Haemoglobinopathy Mission was established to provide a concrete approach to the prevention and treatment of sickle cell anemia. On November 15, 2021, the Honorable Prime Minister launched a pilot project for sickle cell screening in the districts of Alirajpur and Jhabua in honor of Janjatiyan Gaurav Diwas. Under the pilot initiative, a total of 9.17 lakh people has been tested.
In the second phase, the Sickle Cell Eradication Mission – 2047 was launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister at the national level on July 1, 2023, from Shahdol district of Madhya Pradesh, covering about 1.11 crore people in 89 development blocks of tribal-dominated districts, as well as in 17 states across the country. On World Sickle Cell Day, a state-level program was organized in Dindori district on June 19, 2024, in the dignified presence of Hon’ble Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar. In this second phase, a total of 71.27 lakh population screenings have been conducted so far, identifying 1,49,305 sickle carriers and 22,666 sickle patients.
To strengthen the testing and treatment facilities for sickle cell patients, arrangements have been made for confirmatory testing by HPLC machines in each district hospital. Additionally, tests such as CBC, total iron, serum ferritin, etc., are being provided free of cost. Special Counseling Card for Identification and Genetic Counseling of Sickle Cell Patients started as well. Genetic counseling cards are being distributed to all screened sickle cell patients to prevent the spread of the sickle cell genetic blood disorder. A total of 46.04 lakh genetic cards have been distributed so far.
Sickle cell patients found positive in confirmatory investigations are being counseled and treated at Integrated Treatment Centers run at the district level. All patients are provided with hydroxyurea, folic acid medicines, and free blood transfusions as needed. A mobile app and a National Sickle Cell Portal have been developed for reporting and tracking data related to sickle cell screening. Sickle cell anemia is being managed by obtaining rapid test results at the screening site through confirmatory testing using POC Kits (Point of Care Kits). The availability of POC Kits at the institutional level has been ensured through contracted rates with the state. All pregnant women and newborns are being examined for sickle cell anemia using the POC kit.
For special investigations in newborns within 72 hours of birth, a lab has been set up at AIIMS Bhopal, and testing samples are sent from tribal-dominated districts to this lab. Training and technical support for screening and management of sickle cell anemia are being provided by ICMR–NIRTH, Jabalpur. Training has been conducted for field workers, as well as managerial and medical staff posted in all 89 tribal-dominated development blocks of the state. In collaboration with Sankalp India, prenatal diagnosis of pregnant women is being performed to prevent the spread of sickle cell disease to the next generation.
A treatment and follow-up booklet has been developed to guarantee the availability of medication, treatment, and comprehensive management for sickle cell patients identified during screening. It also aims to provide ongoing monitoring to ensure that sickle cell patients receive regular treatment and management, including consistent doctor reviews.
Text : Referenced from content provided by the proponent.