Sickle cell anemia is a hereditary incurable defect confined to red blood cells.The basic defect is in the structure of hemoglobin molecule of the red blood cells which acquire sickle like shape in oxygen deficient environment. Due to this effect there is destruction of the cells which could even lead to the death of patients. This disease is prominent in tribal and backward areas of Maharashtra. MAM is working for betterment of these patients using Ayurveda, the oldest form of medicine.
This symptom begins at early age (3 to 4 years) and severity of symptoms increases with age. Patient has painful and limited life span. In addition to these symptoms one of the typical symptom experienced by patients called Sickle Cell Crisis. Whenever there is increase demand for oxygen in the body i.e. during infections,physical exercise, or excess fluid loss, the Sickling process gets accelerated.About 22% tribal in the Nandurbar area of Maharashtra are carrier of this disorder.
MAM has established a Sickle Cell community control center in tribal area of Dhadgaon, Dhule district in Maharastra since 1998 and have made arrangements to provide following facilities: -Diagnostic facilities. -Patient Treatment and follow-up. -Population genetic screening program to detect carriers & sufferers. -Health education -Marriage counseling -Genetic counseling -Training facilities This project will provide financial assistance to cure this rare disease in tribal India
MAM has screened more than 250,000 tribals for sickle cell. Approx 1.5 % of the tribal people are suffering from this incurable disease, and 22.5% tribals are carrier for the gene in this area.At present we organize regular health camps, provide medical kits, the centre is carrying out research on sickle cell due to which there is improvement in anemic condition, intensity of crisis is decreased & also duration & recurrence of the crisis is prolonged. Aim is to eradicate the disease in long term
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
