President Droupadi Murmu on Friday lauded the Madhya Pradesh government for its remarkable achievements under the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission-2047, noting that the state had played a crucial role in helping the country achieve its screening target ahead of schedule.

Addressing a state-level programme organised on the occasion of World Sickle Cell Day in Omkareshwar on Friday the President described the campaign as a meaningful effort towards tackling one of the country’s most significant public health challenges. She inaugurated the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp in the presence of the state’s Governor Mangubhai Patel and Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav.

“The screening target set during the launch of the National Mission in 2023 has been achieved ahead of time. This is a matter of great satisfaction,” President Murmu said.

One of the largest genetic screening drives in the world

Highlighting the scale of the initiative, the President said the target of screening 70 million people, from newborns to individuals aged up to 40 years, had already been accomplished. She described it as one of the largest genetic disease screening programmes undertaken anywhere in the world.

According to her, Madhya Pradesh has screened more than 12.5 million people, with a majority receiving genetic counselling cards. She noted that the Union Government had adopted a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to address the disease after Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi launched the mission from Shahdol in Madhya Pradesh nearly three years ago.

Scientific research, social awareness driving the mission

President Murmu emphasised that the mission is unique because it combines public health, tribal welfare, genetic science and digital monitoring. She said studies conducted by organisations including the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), AIIMS, the National Health Mission (NHM) and the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that nearly 20 to 25 million Indians could be carriers of the sickle cell gene, while millions suffer from the disease.

The studies also found that the prevalence of the disorder is significantly higher in tribal regions, particularly in Central India, where many affected families remained unaware of the disease for generations.

Early detection and counselling the key to elimination

The President identified three pillars of the mission: spreading awareness and providing pre-marital genetic counselling, conducting large-scale screening for early diagnosis, and ensuring continuous healthcare support for patients.

She said nearly 250,000 cases of sickle cell disease and over two million carriers had been identified through the nationwide campaign. Stressing the importance of counselling, she noted that carriers often show no symptoms and may unknowingly pass the gene to future generations.

Madhya Pradesh sets new benchmarks

MP CM Dr Mohan Yadav then took over the podium, saying that Madhya Pradesh had created a record under the mission, with 13.2 million people screened so far. The state is simultaneously focusing on screening, treatment, genetic counselling and public awareness.

He added that more than 3,700 “Sickle Mitra” volunteers, including NCC cadets, are helping spread awareness. The government has also set a target of screening 16 million people by the end of 2026.

CM Dr Yadav reaffirmed the state’s commitment to eliminating sickle cell anaemia and ensuring a healthier future for generations to come. He expressed confidence that sustained efforts would help India achieve its goal of eradicating the disease well before 2047.