On the occasion of World Thalassemia Day, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda virtually addressed the webinar  "Challenges in Thalassemia 2022" in New Delhi today. <br />''<br />''It was jointly organized by Ministry of Tribal Affairs along with various ministries and Thalassemia association. Experts from India and various parts of the world took part in the Conference.<br />''<br />''In his address, Mr Munda said that as we celebrate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, it is Prime Minister's vision that we make new resolves which will propel India towards AtmaNirbhar Bharat during the period of Amrit Kaal. He said, in this direction, we should also make new resolves for tackling the problem of Thalassemia. <br />''<br />''<br />''The Minister said, there is need to have a nationwide awareness campaign through the stakeholders of various Ministries and state governments such as Teachers- students , Anganwadi and ASHA workers, which is essential for mounting an attack on the problem of Thalassemia. <br />''<br />''He also said, a teacher should give five minutes extra to create awareness among students and similarly Anganwadi workers should inform the villagers about the disease and its prevention. Mr Munda also suggested that there should be common literature in simple and local language to guide the local level workers and help them in creating awareness. He said, apart from awareness and counseling, cheap medicines availability and Community blood donation in rural areas should be promoted.<br />''<br />''In his address, Secretary in Ministry of Tribal Affairs Anil Kumar Jha said, through awareness, effective participation and whole of the government approach India can control, prevent and treat the disease. He said, Ministry will provide support to all private and public institutions working in the field of controlling Thalassemia.<br />''<br />''Thalassemia and sickle cell anaemia in India is a huge burden with an estimated one lakh patients with a ? Thalassemia syndrome and around 15 lakh patients with sickle cell disease or trait, but few among them are optimally managed and allogeneic stem cell transplant BMT is unaffordable for the majority of families.<br />