Bhubaneswar: A two-day National Workshop on Sickle Cell & Thalassemia Elimination: Best Practices & Scalable Strategies began today at Bhubaneswar, bringing together national and international experts to discuss strategies for combating sickle cell disease (SCD) and thalassemia. The workshop is organized by the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Research and Training Institute (SCSTRTI), ST & SC Development Department, Government of Odisha, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), Government of India, National Health Mission (NHM), and Health & Family Welfare Department, Government of Odisha. Knowledge partners for the event include UNDP, UNICEF, and the Indian Society of Haematology and Blood Transfusion (ISHBT).
The event was inaugurated by Nityanand Gond, Minister for ST & SC Development, Minority, and Backward Classes Welfare Department, who highlighted the significance of the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023. He reiterated Odisha’s active participation in the mission, emphasizing the state’s extensive screening and awareness programs, particularly in remote tribal areas. “This workshop provides an opportunity to exchange knowledge, learn from best practices across states, and develop a collaborative roadmap,” he said, urging stakeholders to work together to eliminate the disease by 2047.
The inaugural session saw the participation of prominent officials including Sanjib Kumar Mishra, Principal Secretary; Aswathy S, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department; Dr. Raji N.S., Deputy Secretary, MoTA, Government of India; Dr. Poma Tudu, Director, ST; William Hanlon, Chief, UNICEF Odisha; and Professor Dr. Manoranjan Mohapatra, HoD, Haematology, AIIMS Delhi.
Speaking at the event, Principal Secretary Sanjib Kumar Mishra underscored Odisha’s significant tribal population and its high SCD prevalence rate, ranging from 9% to 22% in various communities. He noted that the workshop aligns with the National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Programme, a key public health initiative aimed at eradicating SCD by 2047.
Health & Family Welfare Commissioner Aswathy S detailed the state’s efforts in SCD screening, detection, and management, stating that Odisha leads the country in these areas. She called for a collaborative approach involving government agencies, healthcare providers, and development partners to ensure effective implementation of the National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission.
Dr. Raji N.S., Deputy Secretary, MoTA, highlighted various initiatives undertaken by the Government of India to expand sickle cell anemia awareness and counseling among tribal communities. He stated that IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) activities are being intensified in tribal areas to ensure people are well-informed about the disease and its management.
UNICEF Odisha Chief William Hanlon reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting the Government of India’s National Sickle Cell Elimination Mission and stressed the need for strengthened healthcare infrastructure and community outreach.
Dr. Manoranjan Mohapatra of AIIMS Delhi acknowledged Odisha’s progress in combating sickle cell anemia and emphasized that the workshop would facilitate discussions on disease prevalence, innovative treatment methods, and best practices adopted by various states.
The workshop has attracted 250 participants, including representatives from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India; international delegates; medical experts; UNDP, UNICEF, ISHBT officials; and tribal welfare and health department representatives from 10 high-prevalence states.
The key objective of the workshop is to document best practices and innovative initiatives from different states, enabling other regions to adapt and implement successful models. A crucial outcome will be the formulation of a strategic roadmap outlining effective measures to combat sickle cell disease and thalassemia.
The workshop features four technical and plenary sessions over two days, covering topics such as:
- Advances in SCD Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management
- Strengthening the National SCD Elimination Program
- Social & Behavioral Change Communication in SCD Awareness
- Multi-Sectoral Approaches to Address SCD Challenges in Tribal Populations
Comments are closed.