National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission

Context:

The Union Government’s National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (NSCAEM), launched in July 2023, has screened over 60.7 million people in high-prevalence states, marking significant progress towards eliminating sickle cell disease (SCD) by 2047.

About Sickle Cell Disease (SCD):

Genetic blood disorder altering the shape of red blood cells into a sickle or crescent form.
Reduces oxygen-carrying capacity, leading to anemia and severe complications.
Disproportionately affects tribal populations due to higher genetic prevalence.
As per Global Burden of Disease (2021): ~82,500 births annually with SCD in India.

National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (NSCAEM):

Launch: July 2023 under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
Target: Screen 70 million individuals under 40 years by FY26; eliminate genetic transmission of SCD by 2047.
Approach: Large-scale screening, genetic counselling, public awareness, distribution of genetic status cards.
Coverage: As of July 31, 2025 – 60.7 million screened in 17 high-prevalence states; 2.16 lakh diagnosed with disease, 1.69 million as carriers.
High-prevalence states: Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra (95% of cases).

Institutional Support:

Centres of Excellence (CoEs): 15 medical institutions for SCD care & research.
Training: National ToT programme (October 2024) for health professionals.
Inter-Ministerial Collaboration:MoHFW, Tribal Affairs, Social Justice, Education, Women & Child Development ministries.