Due to a combination of societal attitudes, varying belief systems, and governmental neglect, tribal populations throughout India have long been denied basic healthcare. As a result, gaping disparities in health status of tribals, when compared to metropolitan areas, are evident. Genetic abnormalities and infectious diseases such as sickle-cell anemia, malaria, tuberculosis, leprosy, typhoid, and cholera are rampant in areas of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, and Assam states. Additionally, malnutrition, birth disorders, and gastrointestinal diseases are pervasive among tribal populations, and stark deficiencies have been detected in gross amounts of calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, riboflavin, and animal protein. Certain tribal groups are even facing extinction due endemic diseases and an unusually low sex ratio.