The prevalence of anaemia is exceedingly high among the tribal populations in and around Dharampur – it is estimated that in this geographical area, more than 50% of the women and 54% of the children are anaemic.

One of the research projects which USA’s Purdue University is pursuing aims to develop a technology that will allow the detection of anaemia and sickle cell disease through a non-invasive and rapid technology that analyses photos of the inner eyelid. This method will facilitate the screening and timely treatment of large segments of the population.