ICMR Hosts Landmark Brainstorming Session on Sickle Cell Disease Research

The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) will organize a two-day brainstorming session on sickle cell disease from September 5 to September 6, 2024. Key scientists and medical experts will discuss research, diagnosis, and treatment strategies to combat the disease, targeting its elimination by 2047.

The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) is set to hold its inaugural brainstorming session on sickle cell disease research over a two-day period.

Scheduled for September 5 and 6, 2024, the Chintan Shivir will feature participation from leading scientists and medical experts from across the nation. According to sources, the session aims to explore avenues in research, diagnosis, and cost-effective treatment for sickle cell disease. 'We aim to pinpoint research initiatives that can be pursued for sickle cell disease alongside the current screening, diagnosis, and preventive measures,' sources said.

The event will comprise six separate panel discussions covering patient perspectives, strategic brainstorming, screening strategies, antenatal and newborn screening, implementation research, and treatment advancements. As India works towards eradicating sickle cell diseases by 2047, this meeting is seen as a crucial step forward.

Launched by the Prime Minister on July 1, 2023, in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission aims to screen, prevent, and manage sickle anaemia in tribal areas and Union Territories over three years.

(With inputs from agencies.)