Omkareshwar (MP): President Droupadi Murmu on Friday expressed confidence that India would eradicate sickle cell disease well before its national target year of 2047, underscoring the need for concerted efforts to raise awareness about the genetic blood disorder, particularly among tribal communities.
She was addressing a state-level programme in Omkareshwar on the occasion of World Sickle Cell Day. Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav were also present on the occasion.
“I am confident that with the collective strength and active participation of all states, we will certainly achieve our national goal of eliminating sickle cell disease from the country much before 2047,” the President said.
The President noted that sickle cell anaemia affects millions globally and disproportionately impacts India’s tribal population. She hailed the observance as a crucial step in combating the disease. Furthermore, she underscored the struggles of tribal communities and backward regions that have long borne the brunt of this genetic disorder.
“To prevent its transmission from one generation to the next, community-level screening and timely identification, followed by genetic counselling and effective management, are essential,” she emphasised.
President Murmu referred to the government’s visionary commitment to eliminate sickle cell anaemia by 2047. As part of the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, integrated treatment centres have been established to provide free essential medicines to patients.
She stressed that these efforts are already yielding results in improving early diagnosis and quality of life, particularly among tribal populations.
Only a unified and human approach can end suffering, says Prez Murmu
The President opined that sustainable and humane efforts by all stakeholders, including health workers, community leaders, and government bodies, are the key to rooting out the disease.
She reiterated that the country’s development goals can only be realised through collective health and well-being. “Let us all work together with unwavering commitment to make India free from sickle cell anaemia,” she urged.
