On December 6, 2024, Niti Foundation hosted a workshop in Nepalgunj, Lumbini Province, to address the prevalence of sickle cell anemia among the Tharu community. The event, titled “Coordination and Integrated Efforts for Addressing Sickle Cell Anemia,” was a part of Niti Foundation’s ongoing efforts to enhance the presence and work of constitutional bodies at the sub-national level, as provisioned by Nepal’s constitution.
The workshop aimed to convoke key stakeholders to explore policy interventions for tackling this widespread health issue among the Tharu population. Participants unanimously emphasized the need to formally recognize sickle cell anaemia as a public health issue. Despite efforts to combat the disease, the sporadic nature of initiatives by various stakeholders highlighted an urgent need for coordinated action across the three tiers of government. Discussions also extended beyond treatment and prevention, focusing on the long-term sustenance and survival of patients living with the condition.
The event brought together representatives from key state institutions such as the Tharu Commission and the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, all levels of government, senior medical professionals, organizations supporting sickle cell anaemia patients, and the patients themselves. This diverse participation underscored the importance of a united and collaborative approach to addressing this pressing health challenge.
