Gandhinagar, June 19 -- On the occasion of World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, leading translational scientist, Padma Shri awardee, and pioneer of the Sickle Cell Control Programme, Dr Yazdi Italia, highlighted the remarkable progress achieved in India's fight against Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). He also emphasised the need for greater awareness, equitable access to healthcare services, and the widespread implementation of advanced preventive technologies.

Sickle cell disease is one of the most common hereditary blood disorders in the world. In India, its prevalence is particularly high among tribal communities. For many years, lack of awareness, delayed diagnosis, and inadequate access to specialised treatment caused thousands of patients to...