Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder marked by the body's inability to produce adequate amounts of haemoglobin. India has over 200,000 thalassemia patients, marking the highest prevalence in any single country, says Dr Chandrakant Agarwal, the President of the Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Society (TSCS). Dr Agarwal added that 4% population is carrying the genetic trait for thalassemia, hence awareness and early detection is crucial.