Prevention & Control of Hemoglobinopathies Programme

Problem Statement

In Tamilnadu the estimated prevalence of Sickle cell anaemia is 0-31% and Thalassemia 1-3% The cost of treating a Thalassemic child for one year is estimated to be 2 lakhs. The morbidity is high. The awareness about the disease is less in the affected community and among health care personnel.

Programme Description

The Programme was implemented on November 2017. X and XII standard children in Government & Government aided schools and unmarried school dropouts > 14 years of age in tribal areas are screened for carrier state of Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anemia in 30 blocks in 13 districts in a phased manner. Complete blood count, NESTROFT and Solubility tests are done at school by the tribal Mobile Medical team. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is done for positive persons at identified Tertiary Institutions to diagnose trait. Cascade screening of family members of positive persons is performed. Non-directive genetic counseling is offered to the affected family.

Programme Outcomes

During November 2017 to March 2019, 10042 Children were screened, out of which 874 (8.7%) were trait. Out of 874 children, 305 (35%) had sickle cell trait,  553 (63%) had Thalassemia trait, 10 (1.2%) had sickle cell anemia and 6 (0.7%) were mixed. In the cascade screening among 932 contacts, 56.7% had trait.

Scalability

Antenatal screening among mothers and prenatal diagnosis. 

Financial implications

Rs. 329 Lakhs utilized so far

Source : We Care Coffee Table Book - Good, Replicable and Innovative Practices 2019