Sickle Cell Disease
Why it Matters?
In March 2024, India updated Right of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 guidelines to recognize sickle cell disease (SCD) and related blood disorders as disabilities. Despite recognition, affected individuals remain outside public job quotas.
What You Should Know?
Sickle Cell Disease also called Sickle Cell Anaemia is a hereditary blood disorder caused by two copies of the sickle cell gene.
It produces abnormal haemoglobin, distorting red blood cells (normally disc shaped) into a sickle or crescent shape.
When red blood cells sickle, they do not bend or move easily and can block blood flow to the rest of the body.
Symptoms include anaemia, fatigue, recurrent pain, organ damage, and infections and daily life.
India has the second-highest burden globally of SCD.
Nigeria is the sickle cell capital of the world.
It disproportionately affects tribal and marginalized communities in India.
Treatment includes blood transfusions, pain management, and preventive care.
National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission aims to eliminate SCD as a public health problem by 2047.
The RPWD Act, 2016 (March 2024 guidelines) recognizes SCD as a disability.