Under the National Sickle Cell Eradication Mission–2047, a state-level program will be organized on World Sickle Cell Day, June 19, at the sports stadium of Gram Panchayat Taloon in Barwani district. The event will be graced by President of India, Droupadi Murmu, as the chief guest, with Governor Mangubhai Patel, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla, and other cabinet ministers in attendance.
The program will witness the launch of multiple innovations to combat sickle cell disease, including a genetic counseling awareness video and comprehensive guidelines/modules for supporting affected pregnant women. Panchayats that have completed 100% screening of the target age group will be honored during the ceremony.
A significant highlight will be the launch of the “Sickle Cell Mitra” initiative, in collaboration with the NCC Directorates of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Under this, trained Sickle Cell Mitras will act as awareness ambassadors and liaisons between communities and healthcare service providers, especially targeting the youth.
Statewide activities are planned to mark the occasion, including special counseling camps across 33 affected districts, where citizens will receive genetic counseling, disease management information, and medical service guidance. Camps will operate from sub-centers to district hospitals, focusing on identification, screening, and family testing.
Citizens will also be educated on managing acute complications such as pain crises, and special campaigns will be held in tribal and rural areas. Genetic counseling cards, developed by the state, will be distributed for easy understanding of genetic risks. Additionally, mega camps will be held for UDID card creation to connect patients with disability benefits and financial assistance.
Since the mission’s inception in Madhya Pradesh, over 1.06 crore (10.6 million) people have been screened. More than 2 lakh (200,000) carriers and 29,277 confirmed cases have been identified, with ongoing treatment provided. Over 80.09 lakh (8 million) sickle cell cards have been distributed to help patients monitor their condition.
Monitoring and treatment are integrated through the National Sickle Cell Portal, offering free Hydroxyurea, folic acid, vaccinations, and blood transfusion services. So far, 26,115 patients have been treated with Hydroxyurea.
Continuous screening is conducted in tribal schools, colleges, and hostels in coordination with various departments.
Madhya Pradesh launched the mission on November 15, 2021, in Alirajpur and Jhabua as a pilot, before its national launch by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 1, 2023, in Shahdol. Presently, screening continues in 33 districts, covering 89 development blocks in 20 districts and 13 additional districts under the PM Janman Scheme.
For advanced care, AIIMS Bhopal has established a special lab to test newborns within 72 hours.
A bone marrow transplant unit at Indore Medical College has completed over 100 transplants, and a Center of Excellence operates in Rewa. These efforts are part of Madhya Pradesh’s determined strategy to eliminate sickle cell disease by 2047.