India, June 19 -- President Droupadi Murmu expressed confidence that India will be able to eliminate sickle cell disease well before the national target of 2047, crediting collective efforts by the Centre and states, along with growing awareness and large-scale screening initiatives.

Addressing a state-level programme on World Sickle Cell Day in Omkareshwar, Madhya Pradesh, the President said the country is moving steadily towards eradicating the genetic blood disorder, which disproportionately affects tribal communities.

She urged all state governments not to take sickle cell disease lightly, noting that it is a hereditary condition that can persist across generations but is preventable and manageable through timely intervention.

Murm...