Indian families face a serious challenge if anyone at home is diagnosed with genetic blood disorders like sickle cell anemia. Sickle cell anemia awareness has become important, and so it is celebrated globally on 19th June every year. People have a lot of misconceptions related to sickle cell anemia, and so patients have to encounter prejudice in the workplace or even at school.
About Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anemia
Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that impacts the capability of the body to produce haemoglobin. Patients need blood transfusions in severe cases. Sickle cell anemia is caused by a mutation in the haemoglobin gene that carries oxygen in red blood cells. This condition occurs because red blood cells become sickle-shaped, hence the name sickle cell anemia, which leads to infections and anemia, and organ damage in severe cases.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has identified a public health challenge, especially in tribal populations, while prompting the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission.
Societal behavior matters and helps in improving the lives of sickle cell anemia patients. This is the reason why community leaders, healthcare institutions, and workplaces matter, says Dr. Dua. Kids living with thalassemia or even sickle cell disease might face exclusion due to visible signs or common myths about sickle cell anemia.
Dr Dua suggests that open communication about genetic disorders will help to normalize these conditions and help adults and kids live a better quality of life, which would decrease the sense of isolation. Also, reports demonstrate that public education campaigns may improve acceptance of individuals living with genetic mutation disorders and increase their willingness to consider diagnosis and treatment.
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