The Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh (CTUAP) organized three days Project Investigators, scientists, experts and sickle cell disease patients meet of ICMR National Task Force project entitled ‘Sickle cell disease-related stigma, economic loss and quality of life among the tribal population of India, ASR District, Andhra Pradesh at Anantagiri hills. Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disease which affects the whole life of the affected patient. It is more common in the tribal population of India but occurs in non-tribals too. Dr. Parikipandla Sridevi, Convenor of the program and Principal Investigator for national task force project on sickle cell disease funded by Socio-behavioural division of ICMR, Govt. of India, welcomed the experts from different corners of India and introduced the theme of the meeting. The chief-patron of the day Prof. T.V. Kattimani, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, CTUAP, Vizianagaram addressed and emphasized the importance of the work on SCD and the efforts of Govt. of India for launching Sickle cell mission in 2021 for better SCD screening and care among Indian populations and emphasized that it should be replicated globally. Patron of the meet, Dr. Bontha V Babu, director, NIIRNCD, Jodhpur gave a key note speech on strategies for reducing stigma among sickle cell patients. Experts, Dr. N Janardhana, Professor of Psychiatric Social Work, NIMHANS, Bengaluru, Dr. Rahul Shidhaye, Professor of Psychiatry, Pravara Institute of Medical Sciences, Loni, Ahmednagar, Dr. Mercian Daniel The George Institute for Global Health and Dr. Manoranjan R Ranjit Regional Medical research Centre (ICMR) Bhubaneswar, Orissa gave theirinputs on reducing stigma among SCD patients. The presence of sickle cell patients from Araku valley who spoke about their experiences, coping strategies and battling with disease which made a significant difference among the audience. The project investigators during their research deliberations Dr. S.B.Surti, Parul Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Dr. Madhusmita Bal, Regional Medical Research Centre, Odisha, Dr. Deepa Bhat, JSS Medical College, Karnataka and Dr.Jatin Sarma, Bodoland University, Assam highlighted the importance of capacity building and strengthening of the Govt. health care system for SCD care among tribal and rural populations. The Scientist D, Dr. Yogita Sharma from New Delhi, Co-PI of the project Dr.Anirudh kumar and scientists from various sites of the project participated in the program.
Dr. Ravi babu Birudu, Mr. Anil and Mrs. Chinnatalli, the project staff significantly contributed for success of the program.
