Mediterranean anemia is a blood disorder characterized by an inadequate supply of red blood cells. This condition is also known as thalassemia, hemoglobinopathy, or Cooley's anemia. Thalassemia is a genetic disease that primarily affects individuals of Mediterranean, African, and Middle Eastern descent. Hemoglobinopathy and Cooley's anemia refer to specific forms of thalassemia where the body cannot produce enough hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood. Other synonyms for Mediterranean anemia include beta-thalassemia, alpha-thalassemia, and sickle cell disease. While there is currently no cure for this condition, patients can receive treatments such as blood transfusions and bone marrow transplants to manage their symptoms.