Gujarat’s Big Fight Against Sickle Cell Disease

Campaign Launched by Government

The Gujarat government has started a statewide campaign to eradicate Sickle Cell Disease. This campaign began on World Sickle Cell Day (June 19) and will continue until July 3rd. The initiative aims to examine around 65,000 people, focusing mainly on rural areas.

The campaign began in Mandvi Tehsil of Gujarat, with teams of doctors deployed across the state and over 50 hospitals involved. Sickle Cell Disease is a genetic condition that affects red blood cells, causing them to become sickle-shaped and leading to symptoms like anemia, joint pain, breathing problems, and jaundice.

Chief District Health Officer, Dr. Anil Patel, stated, “Like every year we are spreading sickle cell disease awareness.” Symptomatic individuals will be sent to district hospitals for further treatment.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also launched a nationwide campaign to curb Sickle Cell Disease. Approximately 10% of Gujarat’s population, around 8.5 million people, are affected by the disease.

Earlier in April, microbiologist Dr. Yazdi Maneksha Italia, who developed India’s first sickle cell anemia control program, was awarded the Padma Shri. Italia has been working on this issue for 40 years and aims to eliminate Sickle Cell Anemia by 2047.