Match sickle cell status, not horoscopes before marriage, say experts in Odisha
One can endure the excruciating pain caused by the disease, but it is far more difficult to overcome the stigma associated with it, says Asish, a Homozygous Sickle Cell Anaemia patient.
Experts in Odisha advise couples to test sickle cell status before marriage, not horoscopes. Malini, 42, from Angul district, has lived with sickle cell disease since birth but married a man with no such condition, leading to a healthy son. Asish, a public-sector employee with sickle cell disease, struggled to convince his girlfriend's family about their compatibility.
The National Alliance for Sickle Cell and Thalassemia Control was formed to combat social stigma associated with SCD. The Union government launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Programme in 17 high-prevalence states, emphasizing medical interventions and awareness campaigns. Doctors advise couples to share sickle cell medical reports, not just horoscopes, for a healthy married life.
Despite available treatments, social stigma persists, making it difficult for patients and families to openly discuss the condition.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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