World Sickle Cell Awareness Day
News:
2023 World Sickle Cell Awareness Day observed.
What:
- An international day to create awareness of sickle cell disease.
- It is a genetic disorder in which the RBCs (red blood cells) acquire a sickle-like or crescent shape, leading to blockage of blood vessels.
- It is a monogenic disease i.e. the condition arises from mutation on a single gene.
Significance:
- India has the 2nd biggest burden of sickle cell disease.
- It especially affects Scheduled Tribes and other socially and economically marginalized people.
How:
- 2023 day observed on the theme of ‘building and strengthening global sickle cell communities, formalizing newborn screening and knowing your sickle cell disease status’. This means:
- Steps to understand the genotype associated with the condition.
- Utilization of advanced technologies to identify the sickle cell disease status.
When:
- Observed on June 19th.
- On 22nd December 2008, the UNGA adopted a resolution to recognize the disease as a public health hazard.
Facts:
- Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, under the Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry, is responsible for the development agenda of Persons with Disabilities.
