On the occasion of World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, President Droupadi Murmu praised the Government of Madhya Pradesh for its dedicated efforts in combating sickle cell anaemia. In her message, the President lauded the state’s initiative to organise an awareness programme in Barwani district on June 19, 2025, calling it a meaningful step in addressing a disease that disproportionately affects India’s tribal communities.
Although President Murmu was initially scheduled to attend the event in person, her visit was later cancelled. However, in her message, she emphasised the critical link between public health and national development, stating, “Healthy citizens are the foundation of a developed India. Only when individuals are healthy can they contribute meaningfully to their families, their states, and the nation as a whole.”
Highlighting the long-standing impact of sickle cell anaemia on India’s tribal and underserved populations, the President underlined the importance of community-level screening, genetic counselling, and effective disease management to prevent its intergenerational transmission. She stressed that such comprehensive strategies are essential for addressing the health challenges faced by vulnerable communities.
President Murmu commended the government’s National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, which aims to eliminate the disease by 2047. She noted that the mission’s integrated treatment centres are providing essential medications free of cost to patients, enabling early diagnosis and better management of the disease, particularly within tribal communities. These efforts, she said, are improving treatment outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for many.
She described the mission as a visionary initiative and urged all stakeholders — government agencies, healthcare professionals, community organisations, and civil society — to remain committed to the collective fight against sickle cell anaemia. “Many people from our tribal and underprivileged communities have suffered the pain of sickle cell anaemia for generations. Now, through unified and compassionate action, we have the opportunity to eliminate this burden.”
President Murmu concluded by calling for sustained cooperation among all stakeholders, saying, “Let us all continue to work together with determination and compassion to achieve the goal of a sickle cell anaemia-free India.”