World Sickle Cell Day 2025

World Sickle Cell Day 2025 was commemorated on June 19 with a major awareness event held by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Mangalagiri in Andhra Pradesh.

This awareness initiative, part of the National Sickle Cell Elimination Mission, aimed to spread awareness about the rising impact of sickle cell disease in tribal communities and reinforce the government’s commitment to its eradication by 2047.

Why Is This in the News?

World Sickle Cell Day 2025 is significant as it highlights India’s intensified health efforts under the India Sickle Cell Eradication Plan 2047.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the mission to eliminate sickle cell anemia, especially among vulnerable tribal populations, where its prevalence is high.

On this occasion, the AIIMS Mangalagiri Sickle Cell Rally was organized in collaboration with the Departments of Health and Family Welfare and Tribal Welfare.

The Sickle Cell Awareness Rally on June 19 witnessed participation from medical professionals, government officials, students, and tribal members, drawing attention to the genetic blood disorders awareness campaign 2025.

Objectives of the Awareness Rally

• Mark World Sickle Cell Day 2025 with educational outreach

• Promote sickle cell anemia prevention in India

• Strengthen community engagement in the National Sickle Cell Health Drive 2025

• Showcase AIIMS initiatives for sickle cell treatment

• Raise awareness about the sickle cell disease health events in 2025

Key Attendees

• M. Mallikarjuna Nayak – Secretary (Social and Tribal Welfare), Chief Guest

• Dr. Saraswati – Additional Director, Tribal Welfare

• Dr. Vijayalakshmi – Medical and Health Officer, Guntur District

• Dr. Shreemanta Kumar Dash – Incharge Director, AIIMS-Mangalagiri

• Healthcare workers, students, and tribal community representatives

Understanding Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)

Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder caused by abnormal hemoglobin in red blood cells, leading to severe complications such as:

• Chronic pain and anemia

• Organ damage and infections

• Higher mortality among tribal populations

India’s tribal belts in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Gujarat report some of the highest cases, making sickle cell disease in tribal communities a public health priority.

Government Actions & Future Goals

The National Sickle Cell Elimination Mission and related government campaigns on sickle cell disease aim to:

• Screen 70 million people by 2027

• Provide counseling and treatment facilities in rural/tribal areas

• Introduce sickle cell support programs for tribal areas

• Integrate awareness into school and community health education

• Achieve complete elimination by 2047 under the Sickle Cell Elimination Mission 2047

SSC Exam Relevance

For SSC and competitive exam aspirants, understanding the World Sickle Cell Day 2025 and the government’s disease eradication initiatives is important for:

• Current Affairs (Polity, Health)

• General Awareness (GS Paper)

• Essay/Descriptive Writing Topics

• State-specific exams (Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, etc.)

Quick Facts for Revision

Final Thoughts

The celebration of World Sickle Cell Day 2025 serves as a reminder of India’s evolving healthcare landscape and commitment to inclusivity.

Through sickle cell awareness campaigns on June 19, such as the one by AIIMS Mangalagiri, the nation moves closer to ensuring healthcare access and disease prevention for all, especially its marginalized and tribal populations.

Stay informed, stay ahead — especially if you're preparing for SSC exams where such health and social initiatives are increasingly relevant!