India on track to eliminate sickle cell disease before 2047: President Murmu
President Droupadi Murmu expressed confidence that India will be able to eliminate sickle cell disease well before the national target of 2047, crediting collective efforts by the Centre and states, along with growing awareness and large-scale screening initiatives.
Addressing a state-level programme on World Sickle Cell Day in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh, the President said the country is moving steadily towards eradicating the genetic blood disorder, which disproportionately affects tribal communities.
She urged all state governments not to take sickle cell disease lightly, noting that it is a hereditary condition that can persist across generations but is preventable and manageable through timely intervention.
Murmu highlighted the success of the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023, stating that over seven crore people have already been screened ahead of schedule. She added that more than 20 lakh carriers of the disease have been identified so far.
The President stressed the importance of awareness campaigns, genetic counselling before marriage, early detection through mass screening, and continuous healthcare support as key pillars of disease elimination.
She also noted that Madhya Pradesh and Odisha have reported higher numbers of affected individuals among the 17 states covered under the national screening programme, and appreciated the Madhya Pradesh government’s efforts in implementing the mission.
Officials said the initiative integrates tribal health outreach with genetic science, digital monitoring, and behavioural change strategies to achieve long-term impact.
World Sickle Cell Day is observed annually on June 19 to raise awareness about the disease and improve the quality of life of those affected.a
