Inspiring Commitment: President Droupadi Murmu to Lead World Sickle Cell Day Observance in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh | June 19, 2025:
In a powerful gesture of national commitment to tribal health and wellness, President Droupadi Murmu will participate in a state-level programme to mark World Sickle Cell Day on June 19, 2025, in Madhya Pradesh. This high-level participation highlights the central government’s proactive role in combating sickle cell disease, especially among India’s tribal populations who are most vulnerable.

The event, organized under the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission, will take place in Shivpuri, one of the priority districts for disease intervention. President Murmu’s attendance symbolizes a continued push to ensure equitable healthcare access and early diagnosis across the country.

World Sickle Cell Day Highlights India’s Public Health Resolve

World Sickle Cell Day is observed every year on June 19 to raise global awareness about sickle cell disease (SCD) — a genetic blood disorder that affects hemoglobin in red blood cells. In India, this condition disproportionately impacts tribal communities in states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Maharashtra.

In her upcoming address, President Murmu is expected to emphasize the importance of community-led awareness, timely diagnosis, genetic counseling, and free access to essential treatment services — all core pillars of the national mission.

National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission: A Game-Changer

Launched in July 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission aims to eliminate the disease by 2047, the centenary year of India’s independence. The programme’s core strategy involves screening over 7 crore people, particularly within tribal belts, offering them free diagnostic and therapeutic support.

The mission is being implemented in collaboration with state health departments and tribal welfare agencies. President Murmu’s presence will be a major morale booster for healthcare workers and community health volunteers engaged in rural outreach and grassroots awareness.

Madhya Pradesh’s Role in the National Fight Against Sickle Cell Disease

Madhya Pradesh, being one of the states with a high prevalence of sickle cell anemia, has taken aggressive measures in recent years to combat the condition. Over 1 crore people have already been screened under the health mission, and several specialized treatment centers have been established across districts.

This year’s World Sickle Cell Day event in Shivpuri will also showcase stories of survivors, digital health tools for faster diagnosis, and collaborative efforts between government departments and NGOs. Schoolchildren, ASHA workers, and tribal youth are expected to participate in large numbers, creating a powerful environment of inclusiveness and awareness.

A President Who Connects With the Cause

President Murmu, India’s first tribal woman to hold the nation’s highest office, brings both empathy and visibility to this critical health issue. Her roots and longstanding advocacy for tribal welfare lend unmatched credibility to the cause of eliminating sickle cell disease.

By attending this World Sickle Cell Day programme, she will reaffirm the nation’s resolve to ensure no one is left behind due to lack of medical care or awareness. Her leadership is expected to ignite fresh momentum within government bodies, civil society, and the tribal communities themselves.

The Broader Impact of the Event

The President’s engagement with World Sickle Cell Day will not only enhance national attention on the disease but also inspire more regional efforts and partnerships. This year’s theme focuses on “Equity in Access and Treatment,” a message President Murmu is poised to echo in her address.

Government sources indicate that several new healthcare initiatives may be announced during the event, including expansion of mobile health vans, telemedicine support for remote areas, and incentivized genetic counseling.

Conclusion

The state-level observance of World Sickle Cell Day in Madhya Pradesh, graced by President Droupadi Murmu, is much more than a ceremonial gathering. It is a beacon of hope for millions affected by sickle cell anemia and a bold step toward health justice for India’s tribal communities.

With increased visibility, government backing, and community participation, India edges closer to a future where diseases like sickle cell anemia are no longer barriers to living a full, healthy life.