Journey
How might we improve the well-being of tribal people with sickle cell anemia?
Madhya Pradesh
In partnership with the Transform Rural India Foundation, and supported by the Madhya Pradesh Department of Health, the Madhya Pradesh Department of Tribal Affairs, district administrations, Health and Wellness Centers, and community leaders.
Sickle cell anemia is a major public health problem in India. India is estimated to have the second-highest burden of the disease, with over 20 million people with sickle cell traits and 1.4 million with sickle cell disease. The disease disproportionately impacts vulnerable tribal communities in India, where about 1 in 86 births among indigenous communities are affected by it.
The Prime Minister launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission in 2023, aiming to eradicate anemia by 2047. The mission is aimed at providing affordable and accessible care to all SCD patients, ensuring the quality of care and life while hoping to reduce the prevalence of SCD. Currently, the program is focused predominantly on the medical aspects of disease treatment. We are interested in exploring ways to integrate other aspects, such as social safety and dynamics of daily life in tribal communities.
Our goal is to prototype a system of continuum care to improve the well-being of tribal people with sickle cell anemia. This will integrate elements of health systems with social security systems, and community systems.
