India’s Fight for the Future: Tackling Sickle Cell Disease with Stem Cell Transplants
India is home to over 20 million individuals affected by Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), a genetic disorder causing abnormal, sickle-shaped red blood cells. The stakes are high, with a significant percentage of children not surviving past the age of five.
Stem cell transplants are emerging as a promising weapon in the fight against SCD. Replacing unhealthy bone marrow with healthy marrow, this treatment could change countless lives.
However, hurdles such as donor scarcity, a dearth of specialized facilities, and low awareness levels stand in the way.
Organizations like DKMS BMST Foundation India are demonstrating the impact of focused action, registering tens of thousands of stem cell donors and facilitating life-saving transplants.
This World Sickle Cell Day, let’s embrace the future by promoting awareness, donor registration, and collaboration to make stem cell transplants a reality for SCD patients across India.
Author
