A four-year-old boy in Shanghai who is suffering from a rare strain of anemia was to receive a blood-forming stem cell transplant in an emergency operation on Wednesday evening.

Qiu Jianwen has been diagnosed with thalassemia, known as Mediterranean anemia. He has to receive regular blood transfusions to remain alive but, after his spleen had to be removed as his condition worsened, he can now only be cured with stem cells.

The stem cells were found in Tzu Chi Stem Cells Center in Taiwan. Shanghai Children's Hospital on Monday sent people to Taiwan to collect them and the operation was scheduled to take place on Wednesday evening.

Even if the operation is an initial success, Qiu will need to avoid infection and the possibility of rejection in the coming weeks to survive.

The boy was originally admitted to hospital due to his slim and fragile appearance and the fact his stomach had become bloated. His parents had believed his illness was caused by his habit of eating wall paint.

(Xinhua News Agency March 29, 2007)