What is Sickle Cell Anemia?

The National Tribal Health Conclave 2025 was held on 20th January 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Jointly organized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW), the event was a pivotal part of the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan. Its primary goal was to address the unique healthcare challenges faced by India’s tribal communities, which often face inequities in healthcare access.

Key Objectives

• Innovative Healthcare Models: Exploring new healthcare delivery systems tailored for tribal regions.
• Policy and Research Focus: Identifying critical areas for policy interventions and research initiatives.
• Culturally Sensitive Strategies: Developing culturally appropriate health practices to encourage health-seeking behaviors.
• Strengthening Systems: Enhancing healthcare capacity through training, monitoring, and active community participation.

Collaborative Efforts

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs partnered with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, AIIMS, and NGOs, to ensure effective healthcare delivery in tribal regions. A significant step included signing Letters of Intent to adopt a tribal block in Odisha for field research and capacity-building programs.

Notable Initiatives

• Bhagwan Birsa Munda Chair: Established at AIIMS Delhi, focusing on Tribal Health and Haematology.
• Centres of Competence (CoCs): Fifteen CoCs were set up across 14 states to diagnose and manage sickle cell anemia.

Sickle Cell Anemia: Key Insights

Definition:
Sickle cell anemia is a genetic blood disorder that alters the shape and function of red blood cells (RBCs).

Healthy RBCs: Disc-shaped, enabling smooth movement through blood vessels.
In Sickle Cell Anemia: RBCs become crescent- or sickle-shaped, making them:

• Sticky and rigid
• Likely to block small blood vessels

Impact on the Body:

• Blocks blood flow, causing pain and tissue damage.
• Leads to severe health complications over time.

Cause:
A hereditary mutation in the hemoglobin gene.

Thematic Discussions

The conclave hosted discussions on critical themes such as:

• Leveraging telemedicine for remote healthcare delivery.
• Integrating traditional healers into the healthcare system.
• Addressing adolescent health challenges.
• Targeting diseases like sickle cell disease and mental health disorders.

Anticipated Outcomes

The conclave is expected to deliver a strategic roadmap for improving healthcare in tribal areas by:

• Integrating traditional practices into modern healthcare systems.
• Strengthening public health infrastructure through community involvement.
• Enhancing access to culturally sensitive and sustainable healthcare solutions.