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Home/Anthropology/Mains PYQ/2026/Paper II/Tribal Problems & Displacement
UPSC MainsAnthropology Optional Paper II 2026 15 Marks Model Answer Available

Sickle Cell Disease among Tribal Populations — 2026 Paper II

Question · 2026 · Paper II · 15 Marks

Write an account on the prevalence of sickle cell disease among the tribal populations of India. What are the initiatives undertaken by the affected states to tackle with this disease?

Model Answer

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Approach

• Demand of Question: Explain the biological/evolutionary basis of high sickle-cell frequencies in parts of tribal India, describe distribution and major public-health initiatives, and add anthropological requirements for ethical, effective screening and care.

• Structuring the Response: Begin with beta-globin mutation and HbAA/HbAS/HbSS; explain balanced polymorphism/heterozygote advantage plus endogamy/founder effects; identify the central-western tribal belt; give verified 2023 mission details and 2026 progress; conclude with counseling, consent and care linkage.

• Key Dimensions to Cover: HbS; autosomal recessive inheritance; HbAS malaria protection; balanced polymorphism; endogamy/founder effects; NSCAEM launch 1 July 2023 Shahdol; 17 focus states; 0-40 years; 7 crore screening target; 2047 goal; genetic counseling, HPLC/confirmatory diagnosis, non-stigma.

Model Answer

Introduction: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) lies at the intersection of population genetics, evolutionary ecology and public health. A point mutation in the beta-globin gene produces HbS; in homozygous or compound states it can cause chronic haemolytic anaemia and vaso-occlusive disease. Frequencies are especially important in parts of India's central, western and eastern tribal belts.

Genotype Clinical state Evolutionary significance
HbAA Normal adult haemoglobin No sickle trait
HbAS Sickle-cell trait; usually asymptomatic Relative protection against severe falciparum malaria in endemic environments
HbSS Sickle-cell disease Serious inherited disease requiring long-term care

 

Why the allele persists

  • Balanced polymorphism: Where falciparum malaria historically imposed heavy mortality, HbAS heterozygotes had a survival advantage, helping maintain HbS despite the fitness cost of HbSS.
  • Population structure: Endogamy, founder effects and drift can raise or maintain allele frequency within particular tribal populations, so prevalence varies sharply between neighbouring communities.

Indian public-health response

  • National Mission: The National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (NSCAEM) was launched at Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh on 1 July 2023, with a goal of eliminating SCD as a public-health problem by 2047.
  • Coverage: The mission targets screening/counselling/care in the 0-40 age group, initially focusing on 17 high-prevalence states, with a target of about 7 crore screenings. By July 2026 the official portal reported more than 7.24 crore screenings in tribal-dominated areas.

Anthropological requirements for success

  • Non-stigmatizing genetic counseling: HbAS is a carrier state, not “disease.” Poor communication can produce marriage discrimination and concealment.
  • Consent and language: Testing should be explained in locally intelligible language, with privacy and informed consent; status cards must support choice, not coercive marriage regulation.
  • Screening -> care: Positive screens require confirmatory testing and continuity of care, including clinical follow-up, vaccination/infection prevention and appropriate disease-modifying treatment where indicated.
  • Avoid blanket iron treatment: SCD-related anaemia is not automatically iron deficiency; iron supplementation should follow clinical assessment, particularly in people receiving repeated transfusions.

Conclusion: SCD control will succeed only when evolutionary genetics is joined to trust, counseling and longitudinal care. Treating tribal populations as passive screening targets would be a public-health failure; making them informed partners converts a genetic programme into effective community medicine.

2026 What are the major challenges tribal communities are facing in contemporary India? 2026 Make a critical appraisal of Niyamgiri movement against mining-induced displacement. 2025 Examine the environmental and biocultural factors influencing the health of tribals of India. 2025 Impact of urbanization and industrialization on tribal communities of India

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