Odisha Develops First-of-Its-Kind Protocol to Manage Sickle Cell Disease During Pregnancy

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has developed a comprehensive protocol for managing pregnancies affected by sickle cell disease, aiming to reduce maternal health risks through timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment and coordinated care.

The protocol was discussed at a state-level review-cum-dissemination workshop organised jointly by the National Health Mission (NHM) Odisha, Directorate of Blood Safety and UNICEF Odisha at Hotel HHI in Bhubaneswar on Thursday.

Described as the first of its kind, the protocol has been developed through collaboration among experts from state medical colleges, NHM programme divisions, the Health Directorate and UNICEF. It outlines clinical guidance and the responsibilities of healthcare providers at different levels to ensure systematic care for pregnant women affected by the disease.

Sickle cell disease can increase health risks during pregnancy compared with unaffected pregnancies. Timely medical intervention and regular monitoring can help reduce complications and improve maternal care outcomes.

Focus on 21 High-Burden Districts

The one-day workshop reviewed the implementation of the Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Programme and focused on strengthening screening, treatment and follow-up services in Odisha.

District Public Health Officers (DPHOs) and Assistant Managers for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) from 21 high-burden districts participated in the programme, along with NHM officials and representatives of development partners, including the William J Clinton Foundation (WJCF).

Odisha has been at the forefront of screening and detection efforts under the sickle cell programme. The new protocol is expected to provide healthcare workers with a structured approach to managing affected pregnancies and ensuring appropriate care at different stages.

Screening, Treatment and Follow-Up Reviewed

During the technical sessions, participants reviewed the current status of the sickle cell programme and discussed measures to improve the implementation of screening, treatment and follow-up services.

The sessions also covered transportation benefits, new initiatives planned for the current year and detailed orientation on the newly developed pregnancy management protocol.

The workshop concluded with the formulation of a joint action plan to support coordinated implementation at the district level and ensure that healthcare providers follow the prescribed guidelines.

Health Officials Attend Workshop

The workshop was inaugurated by Harish Chandra Nayak, Mission Director (In-charge), NHM Odisha; Dr Sanjay Kumar Mohapatra, Director of Blood Safety and Public Health; Dr Bishnu Prasad Mohapatra, Director of Family Welfare; Dr Bijay Kumar Mohapatra, Team Lead, State Health Systems Resource Centre (SHSRC); Dr Murlidhar Padhi, Additional Director of Maternal Health; and Dr Meena Som, Health Specialist, UNICEF Odisha.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening Odisha’s response to sickle cell disease, particularly among pregnant women in high-burden districts, through standardised clinical guidance, better coordination and timely medical intervention.