Thalassemia alone is estimated to be nearly eight times more common in the Tharu community ... targeting to reach 2 lakh people, including tribals and other residents across 1,200 villages.

When the Chitwan National Park was established to protect wildlife, the Tharu people who lived in the area were forced to move out. They were forced to settle in villages on the outskirts of the park.

Tharu tribals face higher rates of thalassemia (22-24%) and sickle cell anaemia (60%) than the general population, prompting a medical camp for 2 lakh people. The prevalence of thalassemia and ...