World Sickle Cell Day Observed in Nuapada: Focus on Awareness, Screening and Treatment Services

Nuapada, June 19: World Sickle Cell Day-2026 was observed at the District Headquarters Hospital in Nuapada with an awareness meeting held under the chairmanship of District Collector Madhusudan Dash. The programme aimed to promote public awareness about sickle cell disease, encourage early detection, regular blood screening, and ensure access to appropriate healthcare services. Addressing the gathering, the Collector highlighted the importance of undergoing sickle cell screening before marriage and emphasized the need to strengthen awareness and disease control through the four pillars of support, treatment, relief, and achievement. He also elaborated on the symptoms, hereditary nature, prevention strategies, and the significance of timely medical intervention for the disease. Officials informed that the district administration and health department are giving special emphasis to regular screening, blood testing, counselling, and treatment services, particularly in tribal and vulnerable areas where the prevalence of the disease is higher. On the occasion, ASHA workers, Community Health Officers (CHOs), and women health workers were felicitated for their outstanding contribution towards sickle cell disease control and awareness activities. As part of the observance, awareness meetings, patient counselling sessions, screening camps, and health education programmes were organized across various healthcare institutions in the district. Among those present were In-charge Chief District Medical Officer Dr. Dilip Kumar Das, In-charge District Headquarters Hospital Superintendent Dr. Manoj Kumar Sahu, Additional District Public Health Officer (Disease Control) Dr. Manjurani Singh, Additional District Public Health Officer (Leprosy) Dr. Tanmaya Tripathy, District Project Manager Satyanarayan Tripathy, along with health department officials, ASHA workers, Community Health Officers, healthcare staff, and sickle cell patients. The programme reaffirmed the district administration’s commitment to strengthening awareness, early diagnosis, and comprehensive care for sickle cell disease, particularly among vulnerable communities.