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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on October 05, 2024

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Sickle Cell Disease

For Preliminary Examination:  Sickle Cell Disease

For Mains Examination: GS III - Science & Technology

Context:

Sickle cell disease shortens life by at least twenty years.Slow-progressing organ failure is common in older patients, and acute chest syndrome, a form of lung injury, is a significant cause of death among the young. The symptoms vary among patients, leading to a wide range of complications

Read about:

What is Sickle Cell Disease?

What are the Government initiatives to Curb Sickle Cell Disease?

Key takeaways:

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders characterized by the presence of an abnormal form of hemoglobin called hemoglobin S (HbS). This causes red blood cells to take on a rigid, sickle, or crescent shape rather than the usual round, flexible shape. These sickle-shaped cells can block blood flow in small blood vessels, leading to various complications

SCD is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning a person needs to inherit two copies of the sickle cell gene (one from each parent) to have the disease. If they inherit one sickle cell gene and one normal gene, they become carriers (sickle cell trait), but usually don't show symptoms.

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) has significance in UPSC preparation, especially for topics related to public health, social issues, government policies, and healthcare initiatives. Understanding SCD is crucial for addressing questions in the General Studies papers, particularly in GS Paper II (Governance, Social Justice, and Health) and GS Paper III (Science and Technology, Environment, and Biodiversity).

Here’s why SCD is important for UPSC:

• SCD is a major public health concern, particularly in regions with high prevalence among certain communities, such as tribal populations in India. Understanding its impact on public health systems, economic burdens, and healthcare access is essential for questions related to health infrastructure.
• It aligns with topics like disease burden, inequality in healthcare access, and the role of preventive healthcare in improving public health.
• The Government of India has launched several initiatives and schemes to address the challenges posed by SCD, especially in rural and tribal areas. For instance, the National Health Mission (NHM), the Sickle Cell Anaemia Control Program, and various state-level programs aim to reduce the disease’s prevalence and improve care.
• This is relevant for answering questions on government programs, policies for vulnerable sections, and the effectiveness of healthcare delivery systems
• SCD is more prevalent in certain tribal communities. UPSC often asks about the challenges faced by these communities, including health issues. Understanding SCD’s impact on these groups connects to broader topics like tribal welfare, social justice, and inclusive development.
• Aspirants can relate SCD to the government’s role in improving health outcomes and promoting the socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribes (STs)
• SCD showcases disparities in access to healthcare, particularly in marginalized and rural populations. Questions on health inequality, the role of primary healthcare