World Sickle Cell Day: Fortis Gurugram Doctors Conduct Awareness Programme in Raipur

World Sickle Cell Day: Fortis Gurugram Doctors Conduct Awareness Programme in Raipur

-World Sickle Cell Day is on June 19th-

Raipur, 19th June 2025: Sickle cell disease (SCD) poses a significant public health challenge in India, particularly among tribal populations.  India has the second-highest number of births with SCD globally, with an estimated 15,000 to 25,000 babies born annually. SCD disproportionately affects tribal communities, leading to significant morbidity and mortality in these populations. The disease causes chronic anemia, painful episodes, organ damage, and a reduced life expectancy. 

With a vision to address the pressing challenge of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, today organized an awareness programme in Raipur, Madhya Pradesh. The initiative focused on recognizing SCD as a global health concern and exploring strategies for its elimination. Dr. Vikas Dua, Principal Director and Head of Pediatric Hematology, Hemato-Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, led the effort, highlighting the critical impact of SCD - particularly among India’s tribal and high-risk populations.

Addressing the media, Dr Dua spotlighted the impact of Sickle Cell Disease, shared insights on advanced treatment options, and discussed the curative potential of Bone Marrow Transplantation for eligible patients. He also participated in a special HLA Typing Camp at AIIMS Raipur, as part of efforts to facilitate genetic screening and donor matching — vital steps in improving outcomes for sickle cell patients.

Speaking at the Press Conference, Dr. Vikas Dua, Principal Director & Head, Pediatric Hematology, Hemato Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram said, “India bears the second largest burden of SCD. Sickle cell affects around 10% of Chhattisgarh’s population. One of the biggest challenges in addressing sickle cell anemia in India is the lack of awareness amongst the general population. Recognizing early symptoms of sickle cell disease (SCD) is crucial for timely intervention and management, but it presents a challenge due to varied symptom presentation and lack of awareness. Early symptoms, often appearing around 5-6 months of age, include painful swelling of hands and feet (dactylitis), fatigue, and jaundice. However, many individuals may not be aware of their condition until later in life, highlighting the need for increased awareness and screening programs.  If the disease is prevented in the current generation, it can be prevented from passing on to the next generation. A key strategy to address this challenge is the implementation of widespread screening programs, including newborn screening and antenatal screening, to identify individuals with SCD and sickle cell trait (SCT) early.  It’s also essential to highlight the significance of Bone Marrow Transplant as a potential cure for SCD in eligible children and young adults and underscore the importance of early diagnosis, genetic screening, and HLA typing in ensuring timely and effective treatment.”

Sickle cell disease is a serious health problem that affects millions of people in India. This disease is common in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Orissa and some parts of Bengal, while there are also areas in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, South and Telangana that are affected by it. According to the Indian Journal of Medical Research, India is home to over 20 million patients with sickle cell disease but even though this inherited blood illness is so common, it is still largely unaddressed.

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