Massive Screening Program for Sickle Cell Disease to Cover 70 Million People in India

The Indian government is undertaking a major initiative to combat sickle cell disease, targeting 7 crore people under 40 for screening by 2025-26. This mission, operating under the National Health Mission (NHM), will be implemented in 17 states, prioritizing tribal communities. The program includes states like Maharashtra, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and more. The screening strategy emphasizes universal screening in areas with high disease prevalence, along with newborn and antenatal screenings to enable early intervention and management of the condition.