More than 20 lakh individuals from tribal regions have been screened for sickle cell anaemia since the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) launched its focused initiative on the disease eight years ago. Describing it as one of the institute’s most impactful missions, CSIR Director General Nallathamby Kalaiselvi emphasized the long-term success of the programme.
The mission gained national momentum with the launch of the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, introduced in the Union Budget 2023 and officially rolled out in July 2023, with the goal of eliminating the genetic blood disorder from India by 2047.
Sickle cell anaemia is a hereditary condition that alters the shape of red blood cells, causing them to become sickle-shaped instead of the normal round form. This abnormality can block blood flow, leading to severe pain, vascular complications, and potential organ damage.
Kalaiselvi, who also serves as Secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, highlighted that CSIR began addressing the disease well before it became a national health priority. “The Ministry of Tribal Affairs supported our early work by funding the first five to six years of the programme,” she said, crediting this foresight as pivotal to the mission’s success.
The initiative is structured into three major components:
Screening and Surveillance – Led by the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad, this effort has seen major outreach in regions like Raipur and Bilaspur. Under the leadership of Dr. Giriraj Chandak, the team engaged directly with tribal communities, offering genetic counselling before marriage, during pregnancy, and after childbirth.
Therapeutic Research – The Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) took charge of identifying and evaluating drug candidates and medical treatments tailored to sickle cell anaemia.
Genomic Research – The Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) in New Delhi has been working on genome sequencing and editing technologies to better understand and potentially correct the underlying mutations causing the disease.
One of the mission’s key breakthroughs is the development of a low-cost sickle cell detection kit by CCMB. Kalaiselvi explained that the kit requires just a single drop of dried blood to detect if an individual is a carrier or patient and to assess the severity of the condition. “It will cost less than ₹100 and does not require sophisticated laboratory equipment,” she noted.
In addition to advancements in genomics, Kalaiselvi also discussed India’s progress in the battery manufacturing sector. With support from the Government of India’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, a new facility in Chennai has been established with the capability to produce 1,000 cylindrical lithium-ion cells, aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing.
She also mentioned that lithium reserves have been identified in at least four locations across India, though she refrained from disclosing specific sites.
Kalaiselvi made history as the first woman to lead CSIR, India’s largest R&D organization comprising 37 laboratories and over 3,400 scientists. Her leadership continues to drive pioneering efforts in public health, energy innovation, and scientific research.