Sickle Cell Anaemia

05 Jan 2024 Sickle Cell Anaemia

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “Sickle Cell Anaemia and National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission”. This topic “Sickle Cell Anaemia” has relevance in the “Science and Technology as well as Government Schemes” sections of the UPSC CSE exam.

UPSC MAINS SYLLABUS GS-2 PAPER : Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to health.

Why in the News?

According to the Health Ministry, over one crore people have been screened as part of the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission till now. Under this mission government aimed to eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia by 2047.

About Sickle Cell Anemia

• Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a category of red blood cell abnormalities that are inherited (genetic).
• Haemoglobin, a protein that transports oxygen, is found in red blood cells (RBCs). Red blood cells in good health are round and flow through small vessels to carry oxygen to all regions of the body. In SCD, the hemoglobin is abnormal, causing the RBCs to become hard and sticky, like a C-shaped farm tool known as a “sickle.”
• It is passed down from parents who have a faulty ‘beta globin’ gene.
• Since sickle cells die early, there is a continual lack of RBCs.
• They become caught and obstruct the blood flow when they go through small blood arteries. This can result in pain as well as other dangerous complications (health issues) such as infection and acute chest pain.
• As per various research and screening programmes, tribal groups in India have a higher prevalence of haemoglobinopathies (blood illnesses) than non-tribal communities.
• It is common among communities living in malaria-endemic areas. The sickle cell trait thereby offered an evolutionary benefit, by providing certain people with immunity during malaria epidemics.

Symptoms

• Pain Crises: People with sickle cell anemia frequently have extreme pain episodes termed as pain crises. These crises occur when sickle-shaped red blood cells block blood flow through small blood vessels, causing pain and organ damage.
• Anemia : Sickle cells have a shorter lifespan than normal red blood cells, resulting in Anaemia, or a chronic lack of red blood cells. As a result, patients may have weariness, weakness, and pale skin.
• Hands and Feet swelling: Sickle cell anemia can induce blood vessel obstructions, resulting in swelling, particularly in the hands and feet.
• Frequent infections: Frequent infections are more common in people with sickle cell anemia because their spleens are destroyed.
• Delayed growth : Sickle cell anemia can cause growth and development delays in children.

Treatment

While there is no cure for sickle cell anemia, various treatments aim to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve the quality of life for individuals with the condition.

• Pain Control: Pain crises are frequently treated with pain drugs, and in extreme cases, hospitalisation may be required for more intensive pain management.
• Hydroxyurea: This medicine stimulates the development of fetal haemoglobin, which aids in the prevention of sickle cell disease.
• Blood Transfusion : Regular blood transfusions can help improve the amount of normal red blood cells and decrease problems.
• Hydration: Keeping hydrated helps to keep red blood cells from sickling.
• Folic acid supplements : Folic acid medications are frequently administered to assist the body in producing new red blood cells.
• Bone Marrow Transplant: In extreme situations, especially in children, a bone marrow transplant may be considered to replace the faulty bone marrow with healthy donor cells.
• Gene Therapy : To treat the disorder, the DNA inside the haemoglobin gene is altered.

Initiatives by Government of India to tackle sickle cell anaemia

• National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission:
  Mission: To enhance the care of all Sickle Cell Disease patients for a better future, as well as to reduce the disease’s prevalence, through a comprehensive integrated approach to screening and awareness campaigns.
  Vision: By 2047, India will have totally eliminated sickle cell disease as a public health problem.
• NHM (National Health Mission):The National Health Mission (NHM), is a flagship programme of the Indian government, contains provisions for disease prevention and management, including hereditary anomalies such as sickle cell anaemia. Within the NHM, specific programs and initiatives target awareness, early detection, and treatment of sickle cell anemia.
• The Union Health Minister stated in Budget 2023 that the government intends to distribute “special cards” across tribal territories, and that the mission will be funded through the National Health Mission.

Way Forward

• Early Detection and Screening: Strengthening and expanding genetic counseling and testing programs to identify carriers early on and provide necessary information to affected families.
• Public Education and Awareness:Establishing a supportive and informed environment by implementing long-term public awareness initiatives to educate communities about the disease, its hereditary basis, and the significance of genetic testing.
• Research and Development:Continued research investment for better understanding of the genetic and molecular elements of sickle cell disease, resulting in the development of more effective treatment options and potential treatments.

Conclusion

We can strive towards better outcomes for individuals and families impacted by sickle cell disease by promoting a collaborative and educated environment, ultimately aiming for a future where the impact of this genetic ailment is minimised and effective treatments, if not cures, become a reality.

Download Yojna daily current affairs eng med 5th Jan 2024

Prelims practice Question

Question1) Which of the following statements about sickle cell trait is correct?

a) Sickle cell trait is a severe form of sickle cell disease.
b) Individuals with sickle cell trait do not carry the abnormal hemoglobin gene.
c) Sickle cell trait carriers are resistant to malaria.
d) Sickle cell trait is inherited only from the mother.

Answer: c)

Question 2) What is the primary function of folic acid supplementation in the management of sickle cell disease?
a) Reducing pain during crises
b) Enhancing the production of normal hemoglobin
c) Preventing the formation of sickle cells
d) Improving blood viscosity

Answer: b)

Mains practice question 

QUESTION 1) Examine the difficulties that the Indian healthcare system has in dealing with hereditary illnesses such as sickle cell anaemia. How can the current healthcare infrastructure be improved to give specialized care and assistance to people with this genetic condition?

Question 2) Analyze the effectiveness of public awareness campaigns in India regarding sickle cell anemia. How can the healthcare system collaborate with community organizations to improve awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage proactive measures for managing the disease?

Himanshu Mishra

I am a content developer and have done my Post Graduation in Political Science. I have given 2 UPSC mains, 1 IB ACIO interview and have cleared UGC NET JRF too.