How is India addressing sickle cell anaemia?

Source: The post is based on the article “How is India addressing sickle cell anaemia?” published in The Hindu on 20th February 2023

What is the News?

In Budget 2023-24, the Finance Minister has said that the government will work in “mission mode” to eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia(SCA) by 2047. 

Note: India is the second-worst affected country in terms of predicted births with SCA — i.e. chances of being born with the condition.

What is Sickle Cell Anaemia?

Haemoglobin which is tasked with carrying oxygen to all parts of the body has four protein subunits — two alpha and two betas. 

In some people, mutations in the gene that creates the beta subunits impact the shape of the blood cell and distort it to look like a sickle. 

A round red blood cell can move easily through blood vessels because of its shape but sickle red blood cells end up slowing and even blocking, the blood flow. 

Moreover, sickle cells die early, resulting in a shortage of red blood cells that deprive the body of oxygen. 

These obstructions and shortages may cause chronic anaemia, pain, fatigue, acute chest syndrome, stroke and a host of other serious health complications.

Without treatment, quality of life is compromised and severe cases can become fatal in the initial years of life.

Does SCA only affect some?

Research and screening programmes have found that the prevalence of haemoglobinopathies — disorders of the blood — is more common among tribal populations than non-tribal communities in India. 

Research has also shown that SCA is prevalent in communities residing in areas where malaria is endemic. During the 1940s, doctors found that those with sickle red blood cells were more likely to survive malaria.

Note: In India, States and UTs with tribal populations contribute a significant malaria caseload.

Can SCA be treated?

Sickle cell anaemia is a genetic disorder, making complete “elimination” a challenge that requires major scientific breakthroughs. 

The only cure comes in the form of gene therapy and stem cell transplants — both costly and still in developmental stages.

Blood transfusion wherein red blood cells are removed from donated blood and given to a patient is also a trusted treatment in the absence of permanent cures. But challenges include a scarcity of donors, fears around the safe supply of blood, risk of infection etc.

What has been announced in the Budget for SCA?

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