Current Affairs - Important Days - Discussion

World Sickle Cell Day is observed every year on June 19 to increase awareness about sickle cell disease, a hereditary blood disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. The observance highlights the importance of early diagnosis, timely treatment, genetic counselling, and improved healthcare access. The 2026 theme, “Closing the Survival Gap: Equity in Sickle Cell Disease,” emphasises reducing disparities in care and outcomes. In India, the disease particularly affects Scheduled Tribes and forest-dwelling communities, making awareness and screening programs especially important. Various diagnostic methods, including CBC, HPLC, haemoglobin electrophoresis, and DNA testing, play a crucial role in identifying and managing the condition effectively.