Spreading awareness on sickle cell anemia
World Sickle cell Day” 19th June, is International awareness day observed with the goal to increase public knowledge and understanding of one of the world’s foremost genetic disorder “sickle cell anemia” and associated challenges.
India has largest affected patient’s mostly socioeconomically weak tribal population. It’s an inherited genetic abnormality of haemoglobin, limiting life and oxygen carrying capacity of RBCs. Under certain conditions RBCs turns in to rigid sickle shape, gets stuck in blood vessels causing extreme pain and other serious problems such as infection, acute chest syndrome, stroke, hip joint necrosis, affected spleen, liver, lungs and requirement of blood transfusion. Mortality is highest among children’s and young population. Currently only cure for this disease is bone marrow transplantation but with condition of suitable donor and huge financial requirement. On this occasion we conducted online various competitions like drawing, speech, essay writing, sharing story of sickle cell struggle etc. through Sickle cell association of Nagpur (SCAN) under the guidance of Dr. Anuradha Shrikhande and Padmashri Dr. Sudam Kate. I myself being sickle cell sufferer, was amazed to know that many patients have very positive approach towards life in spite of numerous hospitalisations and fight with death. Some of them have not only achieved M.Sc., MBA, MBBS degrees but also doing jobs and taking care of their families. Such patients have proved that in spite of numerous challenges if given proper support, care and opportunity they will never be burden, rather will contribute in national growth.
Dr. Pooja J. Doshi,
Associate Professor Department of Chemistry, SPPU
