In recognition of his pioneering efforts in tribal healthcare and genetic disease prevention, the Government of India has honored Dr. Yazdi Maneksha Italia, a renowned public health expert from Gujarat, with the Padma Shri in the field of Medicine.
Dr. Italia is widely respected for leading India’s first Sickle Cell Anemia Control Programme, launched in Gujarat in 2006. The program targeted vulnerable tribal populations in the state—especially in districts like Dahod, Chhota Udaipur, and Narmada—where the genetic blood disorder is highly prevalent.
With over four decades of experience in public health, Dr. Italia developed a comprehensive model for screening, early diagnosis, genetic counseling, and awareness campaigns on sickle cell disease. His work became a blueprint for similar initiatives across India and aligned closely with the national goal to eradicate sickle cell disease by 2047.
Under his leadership, the program screened lakhs of individuals and helped families understand genetic risks, paving the way for better maternal and child health in tribal communities. He also collaborated with national institutions like ICMR and Gujarat’s health departments to implement neonatal screening protocols, reduce disease burden, and promote public education on hereditary disorders.
Dr. Italia received multiple awards over the years, including the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration (2011) and the NDTV Health Leadership Award. In 2023, he was also honored with the Gujarat Chief Minister’s Award for his work in preventive medicine and community outreach.
On receiving the Padma Shri, Dr. Italia humbly said, “This award is not just for me but for the entire team that worked tirelessly to uplift tribal health. It is a tribute to science in service of the people.”
Dr. Yazdi Maneksha Italia’s Padma Shri award stands as a testament to the power of dedicated public health initiatives to transform lives, particularly among India’s most underserved communities.
