On the occasion of World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a healthier and more equitable nation. In a social media post, Mr Nadda noted that over 7.19 crore individuals have been screened under the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, with more than 20 lakh carriers identified.

He added that over 2.46 lakh persons have been diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease and more than 4 crore Sickle Cell Cards have been distributed under the mission. Mr Nadda said these achievements reflect the government’s collective efforts to ensure early diagnosis, timely treatment, genetic counselling and comprehensive care, particularly among tribal populations and vulnerable communities. He also called upon people to continue working together towards the shared goal of eliminating Sickle Cell Disease as a public health challenge by 2047.