Healthcare / Odisha Launches First-of-Its-Kind Protocol for Managing Sickle Cell Disease in Pregnancy

Bhubaneswar, Oct 22: In a bid to reduce maternal mortality and improve healthcare outcomes for women affected by Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), Odisha on Thursday became the first State in the country to launch a dedicated protocol for the management of Sickle Cell Disease during pregnancy.

The protocol was unveiled during a State-Level Review-cum-Dissemination Workshop on “Sickle Cell Disease during Pregnancy”, jointly organised by the National Health Mission (NHM) Odisha, the Directorate of Blood Safety, and UNICEF Odisha at a hotel in Bhubaneswar.

The one-day workshop reviewed the implementation of the State’s Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Programme and brought together District Public Health Officers (DPHOs), Assistant Managers (NCD) from 21 high-burden districts, officials of NHM, and representatives of development partners, including the William J. Clinton Foundation (WJCF).

Odisha has emerged as a leading State in screening and detection efforts under the national mission to eliminate sickle cell anaemia. Building on these efforts, the State has developed a comprehensive protocol to guide the management of pregnancies affected by Sickle Cell Disease, a condition that poses significantly higher health risks for both mothers and newborns compared to unaffected pregnancies.

Health officials said the protocol has been formulated through a collaborative effort involving experts from State medical colleges, the Health Directorate, programme divisions of NHM and UNICEF. It provides detailed clinical guidance and clearly outlines the responsibilities of healthcare providers at various levels of the public health system.

The workshop was inaugurated by Harish Chandra Nayak, Mission Director (In-charge), NHM Odisha; Dr. Sanjay Kumar Mohapatra, Director, Blood Safety and Public Health; Dr. Bishnu Prasad Mohapatra, Director, Family Welfare; Dr. Bijay Kumar Mohapatra, Team Lead, SHSRC; Dr. Murlidhar Padhi, Additional Director, Maternal Health; and Dr. Meena Som, Health Specialist, UNICEF Odisha.
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During the technical sessions, participants assessed the current status of the Sickle Cell programme, discussed strategies for strengthening screening, treatment and follow-up mechanisms, and reviewed transportation assistance benefits and other new initiatives. Officials were also sensitised to the newly introduced protocol.

The workshop concluded with a joint action plan aimed at ensuring effective implementation of the protocol across districts and strengthening maternal healthcare services for women living with Sickle Cell Disease.