The Zilla Parishad in Nagpur district has announced a comprehensive campaign to tackle sickle cell anaemia. This initiative, named the 'Arunoday Sickle Cell Anaemia Mukta Special Campaign', will run from January 15 to February 7. Its primary goal is to safeguard future generations from this genetic disorder.
Campaign Leadership and Health Department Involvement
District collector Vipin Itankar will provide guidance for the campaign. The Health Department will take the lead in organizing large-scale screening and awareness activities. Zilla Parishad chief executive officer Vinayak Mahamuni has confirmed that the drive will specifically target citizens aged 0 to 40 years.
Key Measures and Medical Support
The campaign includes several important steps. First, primary screening will identify suspected cases. Confirmatory HPLC testing will follow for accurate diagnosis. Patients will receive free medication to manage the condition. A strong emphasis will be placed on pre-marital and antenatal counselling to prevent disease transmission.
Outreach Strategies in Local Dialects
To ensure effective communication, awareness materials will be available in Gondi and other local dialects. Methods will include audio messages, banners, and public announcements. At the gram panchayat level, information will be shared through traditional 'davandi' announcements.
Engaging Educational Institutions
Schools, colleges, and ashram schools will actively participate. They will organize rallies, quiz competitions, rangoli events, and essay contests. These activities aim to sensitize students and young people about sickle cell anaemia.
Community Events and Door-to-Door Efforts
Special screening stalls will appear during local festivals, yatras, and religious gatherings. Under district health officer Rajkumar Gehlot, teams will conduct door-to-door outreach. These teams will consist of taluka health officers, medical officers, ASHA workers, ANMs, and volunteers.
Call for Public Participation
Citizens, especially youth, are strongly encouraged to take part. They should undergo sickle cell testing to help identify and manage the disorder early. This collective effort aims to reduce the impact of sickle cell anaemia across Nagpur district.
