New Delhi, June 18: Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram will preside a National Conclave for awareness generation on the Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), on the occasion of World Sickle Cell Day, in New Delhi tomorrow, officials said on Tuesday.

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) and the knowledge partner Birsa Munda Centre, AIIMS Delhi will organise the National Conclave, they added.

In his message on the eve of the World Sickle Cell Day, Oram encouraged people to participate in the country-wide awareness generation campaign on the SCD and get screened for it, so that its spread can be prevented through early detection.

SCD refers to a group of inherited blood disorders, wherein a genetic mutation causes abnormal haemoglobin to clump together, causing the red blood cells to turn sickle shaped. These sickle-shaped cells cause blockages in the blood flow, which can lead to anaemia, pain, infections and other severe complications.

Individuals with sickle cell trait carry only one defective gene and typically live normal lives, but they can pass the gene to their children. Therefore, it is advisable for all adults and newborns to undergo a medical screening for sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait.

The Government of India embarked on the ‘Mission for Elimination of SCD by 2047’, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi launching the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission from Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh on 1st July, 2023. 

Read More: National News