Rajasthan: Sickle Cell Disease Spreads Across Tribal Districts, Over 10,000 Affected
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is spreading across tribal districts in Rajasthan, affecting over 10,000 people. A recent report by the Medical and Health Department of Rajasthan revealed that nearly 3,000 people tested positive for sickle cell disease, and almost 8,000 people showed initial symptoms.
The disease is prevalent in the tribal-dominated districts of Baran, Rajsamand, Chittorgarh, Pali, Sirohi, Dungarpur, Banswara, Pratapgarh, and Udaipur.
SCD affects hemoglobin, causing red blood cells to become sickle-shaped, which can block blood flow and lead to complications like chronic pain, stroke, and organ failure. The reasons for the spread in tribal areas are currently unknown. Women are disproportionately affected. Due to the genetic nature of SCD, patients are advised against marrying each other to prevent the disease from affecting their children.
A study in southern Rajasthan found the prevalence of Sickle Cell Trait (SCT) to be around 10%, while SCD was less than 1%. The Garasiya tribe showed the highest combined prevalence of SCT and SCD at 15.52%, followed by the Bhil tribe at 9.68%.
The government provides pink and blue Genetic Counseling ID cards (GCID) to patients and advises against marriage between individuals with the disease. Two free vaccines have been approved by the government to reduce the impact of the disease, though distribution has not yet started.
Tribal communities often have limited access to healthcare and awareness, leading to higher rates of illness and mortality due to SCD.
More than 10,000 people from nine tribal districts in Rajasthan have been affected by sickle cell disease. A report from the state’s Medical and Health Department revealed the findings.
A study conducted in southern Rajasthan found the combined prevalence of Sickle Cell Trait (SCT) and Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) to be 10.20%. The prevalence of SCT was 9.87%, and SCD was 0.32%. The Garasiya tribe had the highest combined prevalence at 15.52%, which is significantly higher than the Bhil tribe at 9.68%.
One study screened 36,752 tribal students from 1,006 Maa-Baadi centers and 243 hostels and found the prevalence of SCD among the students to be 5.8%. The highest prevalence was observed in the Sirohi district (10.5%), followed by Banswara (7.42%), and Udaipur (6.53%). The highest prevalence among the four major tribes was recorded in the Garasia tribe (13.81%).
What is Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)?
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. It’s characterized by a mutation in the gene that tells your body how to make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. In SCD, the abnormal hemoglobin causes red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped (like a crescent moon).
