To control thalassaemia and sickle cell disease, 39,12,581 students have been screened across 12 universities in the state till date since 2004.

Additionally, 1,19,345 young individuals from high-risk communities and 9,39,158 pregnant women have also been screened. In Gujarat, serious efforts are being made to combat these blood disorders. 

The prevention programme began in 2004, encompassing premarital screening, high-risk community screening, and prenatal diagnosis. Twelve universities in the state are associated with this initiative.

Among the students screened, 1,61,569 were identified as thalassaemia minor and 1,67,819 as having sickle cell traits, while 35,38,193 were classified as normal.

So far, 9,39,158 pregnant women have been screened, out of which 51,061 tested positive, and 4,07,215 husbands have also undergone screening. Prenatal diagnosis has been performed in 2,605 cases, resulting in the prevention of the birth of over 600 thalassaemic children.

Sickle cell disease is widespread in India, particularly in regions like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Kerala.

The carrier rate for the sickle cell gene can range from 1% to 35%. Both of these diseases are classified as hemoglobinopathies, which are genetic disorders that negatively affect the structure and production of haemoglobin in the blood.

Various community organisations in Gujarat, such as the Kharva community (Porbandar), Lohana Mahajan Parishad (across Gujarat), Kutch Bhanu Shali Seva Samaj, Siddhi Samaj (Ahmedabad), and Leuva Patidar Samaj (Surat), are part of this programme. 

To date, screening has been conducted for 1,19,000 young individuals, with 14% to 17% testing positive for either thalassaemia or sickle cell disease.

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