Eradication possible through awareness: Collector

Vijayawada: NTR district collector Dr G Lakshmisha on Thursday emphasised that Sickle Cell Anaemia can be eradicated through comprehensive awareness, announcing large-scale awareness programmes which commenced on June 19. He highlighted a robust action plan in place to curb the disease, with a specific focus on tribal areas. On Thursday, to mark World Sickle Cell Day, the District Medical and Health Department organised a Sickle Cell awareness programme at the Kondapalli Tribal Welfare Girls' School.
Collector Lakshmisha, along with other officials, unveiled posters, pamphlets, and manuals related to the Sickle Cell Anaemia Eradication Mission and comprehensive disease information. Speaking at the event, the collector stressed the urgent need to create widespread awareness about the disease across various segments of society, as part of the mission to eradicate Sickle Cell Anaemia even before 2047.
He explained that while healthy red blood cells are typically round, in Sickle Cell Anaemia, these cells are crescent-shaped. He clarified that the disease is hereditary, passed from parents, and is not contagious. He added that the disease can be diagnosed through a simple blood test. He reassured that individuals with Sickle Cell Anaemia need not worry, as timely identification and proper medical care can significantly improve a patient's quality of life.

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The Hindu

11 hours ago

• The Hindu

Sickle Cell patients growing in tribal pockets of undivided Visakhapatnam district, says expert

Sickle Cell Disease is prevalent among the tribal people, particularly those living in the Agency areas of Alluri Sitharama Raju district, according to Paripandla Sridevi, an Associate Professor in the Central Tribal University, Vizianagaram. An estimated 1% of the total population has SCD, and 4% are carriers of the sickle cell trait, Prof. Sridevi said on the eve of World Sickle Cell Day, which is observed on June 19 every year. Prof. Sridevi has been conducting research in the tribal areas of the undivided Visakhapatnam district in the North Andhra region, for the past three years. The research is being conducted as part of the ICMR–National Task Force Project, which has been going on for the past seven years. The SCD is caused by sickle cell gene, a defective one which looks like a sickle. People affected with the disease are born with two sickle cell genes—one from each parent. Those born with one sickle cell gene, called sickle cell trait, are generally healthy, but they can pass on the defective gene to their children, she said. 'Initially, Prof. Sudhakar of the Department of Human Genetics, Andhra University, has worked on the project. Then I worked on the same project in Madhya Pradesh. I have been working on the project for the past three years at Gannela, Madagada and Paderu of ASR district,' Prof. Sridevi told The Hindu. 'I have noticed that SCD patients are unable to get blood transfusions and hydroxyurea on time due to poor amenities in the tribal areas. Stigma is attached to the disease as many tribal people think it is a curse. Some others dismiss it as common anaemia. We train ASHA workers to create awareness among the tribals on the need to opt for timely treatment for SCD and to dispel the myths,' she said. Prof. Sridevi said such research projects act as a bridge between the tribal people and the government as they bring the issues to the notice of the authorities concerned. 'We want the treatment facilities of SCD to be improved. We counsel tribal people about the dangers associated with marriages between close relations, a common practice in the Agency areas,' she said. Quoting from data provided by ASR district DM&HO Dr. Jamal Basha, Prof. Sridevi said that 4,10,380 have been screened for sickle cell anaemia in the undivided Visakhapatnam district as on June 18. Among them, 1,488 were identified as SCD positive, 12,599 carriers and 3,80,665 were negative. The government has made arrangements for the necessary medicines and nutrition for the patients with the goal completely eradicating SCD in Andhra Pradesh by 2047.

Hans India

13 hours ago

• Hans India

Eradication possible through awareness: Collector

Vijayawada: NTR district collector Dr G Lakshmisha on Thursday emphasised that Sickle Cell Anaemia can be eradicated through comprehensive awareness, announcing large-scale awareness programmes which commenced on June 19. He highlighted a robust action plan in place to curb the disease, with a specific focus on tribal areas. On Thursday, to mark World Sickle Cell Day, the District Medical and Health Department organised a Sickle Cell awareness programme at the Kondapalli Tribal Welfare Girls' School. Collector Lakshmisha, along with other officials, unveiled posters, pamphlets, and manuals related to the Sickle Cell Anaemia Eradication Mission and comprehensive disease information. Speaking at the event, the collector stressed the urgent need to create widespread awareness about the disease across various segments of society, as part of the mission to eradicate Sickle Cell Anaemia even before 2047. He explained that while healthy red blood cells are typically round, in Sickle Cell Anaemia, these cells are crescent-shaped. He clarified that the disease is hereditary, passed from parents, and is not contagious. He added that the disease can be diagnosed through a simple blood test. He reassured that individuals with Sickle Cell Anaemia need not worry, as timely identification and proper medical care can significantly improve a patient's quality of life.

United News of India

19 hours ago

• United News of India

Awareness needed to tackle sickle cell disease in AP: doctors

Kakinada, June 19 (UNI) Sickle cell anemia is one of a group of inherited disorders known as sickle cell disease and creating awareness goes a long way in tackling the spread of the disease, said medical professionals on Thursday. Noted doctors Dr Addala Satyanarayana and Dr Bonda Suryarao, while addressing the awareness meeting held under the auspices of Adabala Trust in Ramanaiahpeta here to mark the celebration of World Sickle cell Day, said that the disease affects the shape of red blood cells which carry oxygen to all parts of the body. Red blood cells are usually round and flexible as such they move easily through blood vessels. In sickle cell anemia, some red blood cells are shaped like sickles or crescent moons. These sickle cells also become rigid and sticky, which can slow or block blood flow. Those suffering from the disease are anemic, look pale and have swelling of hands and legs. If infected by Jaundice, it takes a long time for them to get cured. The sickle cell disease patients should improve their body immunity by a nutritious diet containing fruits, vegetables and cereals, they added. Adabala Rathna Prasad, Chinthapalli Subbarao. Buddharaju Satyanarayana Raju, G Krishnamohan were among those who attended. UNI XR KNR SS