LUCKNOW, Feb. 6 -- The prevalence of thalassemia and sickle cell anaemia-both inherited blood disorders affecting haemoglobin-is significantly higher among Tharu tribals on the Indo-Nepal border compared to the general population, said Dr MLB Bhatt, director of Kalyan Singh Super Speciality Cancer Institute, on Wednesday in Lucknow.

Thalassemia alone is estimated to be nearly eight times more common in the Tharu community. While the incidence of thalassemia in the general Indian population is about 2-3%, it is reported to be significantly higher-an estimated 22-24%-among Tharu tribal communities in Uttar Pradesh, Dr Bhatt added.

"Since testing for this disorder (thalassemia) is expensive and complex, we took a sample size of 1,000 patie...