Prevalence of sickle cell anemia in India

Abstract 

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) remains a significant public‐health challenge in India, particularly among children in tribal and economically disadvantaged communities. This article reviews the prevalence, geographical and ethnic distribution, contributing factors, screening status, and implications for paediatric practice and public‐health policy in the Indian context. Recent systematic reviews and regional surveys suggest that, among children under 18 years, the pooled prevalence of sickle cell disease (homozygous hemoglobin S) is around 0.8% (95% CI: 0.6–1.0), while the prevalence of sickle cell trait (heterozygous) is about 9.2% (95% CI: 8.5–10.0). Significant heterogeneity exists by state, tribal vs non-tribal status, and socio-economic milieu. Given the variable clinical expression of SCA in India, including higher fetal hemoglobin levels and variable complication rates, understanding the true prevalence in children is critical for early diagnosis, management and prevention. This article highlights gaps in data, the importance of neonatal/childhood screening, challenges in healthcare delivery, and recommends strategies for improving outcomes for children with SCA in India.