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- Malaria
Even during the height of malaria eradication campaign in India, a number of tribal areas still continued to harbor malaria, primarily because of their inaccessibility and lack of community participation. In certain areas the behaviors of vectors are different and require different strategies for control. Malaria still remains a problem in many tribal areas. However, since 1997–98 due to the aggressive anti–malaria program of Govt. of Maharashtra, malaria has shown a steep decline in this area. - Genetic disorders
Genetically transmitted disorders like sickle cell anemia, Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenises deficiency are common in the tribal populations in the country. These diseases have been associated with malaria endemicity. High prevalence of these conditions may point out that the tribal populations have been associated with malaria for a long time. Different forms of thalassaemia and thalassaemia traits are also common in the tribal peoples. These conditions add to the overall anemia situation in the tribal peoples. However, the extent and the prevalence of different genetic disorders in this area is yet to be explored. - The Traditions
The tribal people have been traditionally permissive in sexual matters. Yaws has been quite common earlier. However, in recent days, interaction with the non–tribal population may increase the sexually transmitted disease load among the tribal population. It is important to understand the situation immediately, particularly with reference to HIV and RTI. - Malnutrition
This is a major factor influencing morbidity and mortality among the tribal peoples. Because of the poor agricultural practices among the tribes, food is always scarce. As they are not engaged in any other income generating activity (gathering of forest products gives them very little income) they are under severe exploitation by labor contractors. Not only is protein calorie malnutrition common, deficiency of micronutrients like iron, is also very common. However, iodine deficiency leading to goiter is not seen in this area. - Snake bites, suicides and accidents
This also inflicts considerable burden on tribal population. The lifestyle of the tribal population in the area of investigation and the forest clad hilly terrain can explain the large number of deaths due to snake bites. However, suicides in the tribal population point to a deeper social malady which needs to be looked into.
