New Delhi, 19 June (H.S.): Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda, on the occasion of World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, reaffirmed the nation's commitment to building a healthier and more equitable India. Extending his greetings to citizens through a post on X, Nadda said that significant progress has been achieved under the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission.

He stated that more than 71.9 million people have been screened so far, while over 2.026 million carriers of the disease have been identified. In addition, 246,000 individuals have been diagnosed with sickle cell disease, and more than 48.2 million Sickle Cell Cards have been distributed.

Nadda said these achievements are the result of collective efforts to ensure early diagnosis, timely treatment, genetic counselling, and comprehensive healthcare, particularly among tribal populations and other vulnerable communities.

The Union Minister said the government remains committed to raising awareness about sickle cell disease and ensuring better healthcare services for those affected. Urging all stakeholders to actively participate in the nationwide campaign, he said that concerted efforts are essential to achieve the goal of eliminating sickle cell disease as a public health challenge by 2047.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar