Daijiworld Media Network - Hyderabad
Hyderabad, Apr 4: The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) has partnered with the Tata Steel Foundation (TSF) and the National Health Mission (NHM), Jharkhand, to launch a large-scale sickle cell anemia (SCA) screening programme in the state.
Announcing the initiative on Friday, CCMB director Dr Vinay K Nandicoori said the project aligns with the institute’s mission of early diagnosis and healthcare intervention. The program will begin in the Kolhan region, covering East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, and Seraikela-Kharsawan districts, utilizing the combined networks of NHM and TSF.
CCMB will establish a sickle cell testing hub for large-scale screening and train healthcare workers, including ASHA and ANM staff, for community outreach. The initiative will also integrate screening results into Jharkhand’s healthcare framework to improve disease management.
A key feature of this programme is the use of an indigenously developed Dried Blood Spot (DBS) PCR-based molecular test, which is cost-effective, highly accurate, and eliminates the need for invasive blood collection. Developed under the CSIR’s Sickle Cell Anemia Mission in 2018, this test has already been validated in several states, including Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
Jharkhand, one of 17 states under the National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission (NSCAEM), has a significant burden of SCA, particularly in its tribal communities. While screening efforts have taken place, they have been inconsistent, leading to an incomplete understanding of the disease’s prevalence.
Sickle Cell Anemia is a genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the beta-globin gene, leading to misshapen red blood cells, chronic anemia, and severe health complications. The disorder is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, making early detection crucial in preventing transmission to future generations.
The Central Government launched the NSCAEM in July 2023, aiming to eliminate SCA by 2047 through universal screening of 7 cr individuals aged 0-40 years in high-prevalence tribal areas. The Jharkhand initiative marks a significant step in realizing this goal and improving healthcare outcomes for affected communities.