What is the Arunoday initiative in Maharashtra?

The Arunoday initiative uses tribal languages to deliver health messages about sickle cell disease directly to tribal communities in high-burden districts.

How is Maharashtra tackling sickle cell disease in tribal areas?

They are using native languages and dialects for health information materials and outreach activities to improve communication and reduce stigma.

Why are tribal languages important for sickle cell awareness in Maharashtra?

Language barriers and low literacy have hindered awareness; using native tongues makes information more accessible and encourages screening and treatment.

Home / Health / Pune Initiative: Tribal Dialects Boost Sickle Cell Fight

Pune Initiative: Tribal Dialects Boost Sickle Cell Fight

19 Jan

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Summary

Native languages are used to reach tribal communities about sickle cell disease.
Information materials are available in nine tribal languages and dialects.
The initiative aims to reduce stigma and improve screening and treatment.

Pune Initiative: Tribal Dialects Boost Sickle Cell Fight

Maharashtra's public health department has launched an unprecedented initiative to raise awareness about sickle cell disease within tribal communities. For the first time, health messages are being delivered directly to homes in the native languages of the tribal people across 21 high-burden districts. This 'Special Sickle Cell Screening Fortnight,' running from January 15 to January 31, 2026, aims to overcome communication challenges prevalent in remote tribal areas.

The Arunoday initiative provides comprehensive sickle cell information in both audio and video formats across nine tribal languages, including Gondi, Madia, and Warli. These resources are being deployed in districts like Gadchiroli, Amravati, and Palghar, which have high sickle cell prevalence. The goal is to make information about the hereditary blood disorder more accessible to communities often hampered by language barriers and limited healthcare access.