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Sickle Cell: Medical Reports Trump Horoscopes in Odisha
27 Sep
Summary
- Malini, 42, from Odisha, prioritized medical reports over horoscopes for marriage.
- Sickle cell disease (SCD) patients can marry healthy partners without passing on the condition.
- India aims to eliminate sickle cell anaemia as a public health problem by 2047.
In Odisha, a shift is occurring in marriage practices, with medical reports, particularly concerning sickle cell disease (SCD), gaining importance over astrological horoscopes. Malini, an individual living with SCD, successfully married after her family considered the couple's health reports, and she now has a healthy son.
The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Programme was launched on July 1, 2023, by the Union government in 17 high-prevalence states, including Odisha, with a future goal of eliminating SCD as a public health issue by 2047.
Experts emphasize that individuals with SCD can lead healthy married lives if their partners do not carry the sickle cell trait or the disease. Prenatal diagnosis and family screening are advised to prevent transmission. Despite medical advancements and availability of treatments like hydroxyurea in government hospitals, social stigma remains a significant barrier for patients and their families.
Community-based approaches and addressing taboos are crucial for the program's success. The formation of forums like the National Alliance for Sickle Cell and Thalassemia Control (NASCETC) aims to provide a stronger support system for those affected by SCD and thalassemia.
