Govt Ramps Up Anemia Fight with ₹805 Cr Nationwide Plan
Anemia, a condition characterized by a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin, affects millions of people worldwide, particularly women, children, and pregnant mothers. In India, anemia is a significant public health concern, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that nearly 50% of Indian women of reproductive age suffer from anemia. To combat this issue, the Government of India has launched a nationwide plan to strengthen its Anemia Mukt Bharat strategy, backed by a whopping ₹805.91 crore under the National Health Mission (NHM).
The Anemia Mukt Bharat initiative aims to eliminate anemia in women, children, and pregnant mothers by 2025. To achieve this goal, the government has rolled out a multi-faceted approach that includes fortified food, iron supplements, deworming, and testing. The strategy is designed to address the root causes of anemia, including micronutrient deficiencies, poor diet, and inadequate healthcare services.
One of the key components of the initiative is the distribution of fortified rice. The government has expanded its fortified rice distribution program nationwide, which aims to provide iron-rich rice to vulnerable populations, particularly pregnant and lactating women, and children under six years of age. Fortified rice is a simple and effective way to address micronutrient deficiencies, which are a major contributor to anemia.
The fortified rice program has been instrumental in reducing anemia prevalence in several states, including Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. A study conducted by the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) found that the program resulted in a significant reduction in anemia prevalence among children in these states. The study also found that the program was particularly effective in reducing anemia prevalence among children from low-income households.
In addition to fortified rice, the government is also promoting the consumption of iron-rich foods, such as leafy greens, nuts, and legumes. The government has launched a mass media campaign to raise awareness about the importance of iron-rich foods in preventing anemia. The campaign, which targets vulnerable populations, aims to promote the consumption of iron-rich foods as part of a balanced diet.
The government is also providing iron supplements to vulnerable populations, particularly pregnant and lactating women, and children under six years of age. The supplements are designed to provide essential iron to these populations, which can help prevent anemia and its complications.
Another critical component of the Anemia Mukt Bharat initiative is deworming. Deworming is a simple and effective way to prevent anemia caused by intestinal parasites. The government has launched a nationwide deworming program, which aims to provide deworming tablets to vulnerable populations, particularly children and pregnant women.
The government is also testing for anemia on a large scale. The National Anemia Testing Program aims to test for anemia among vulnerable populations, particularly pregnant and lactating women, and children under six years of age. The program uses a simple and rapid diagnostic test to detect anemia, which enables healthcare providers to provide timely treatment and prevention services.
The Anemia Mukt Bharat initiative is being implemented in collaboration with various stakeholders, including state governments, civil society organizations, and private sector partners. The initiative is also being supported by international organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
The government’s commitment to eliminating anemia is reflected in the allocation of ₹805.91 crore under the NHM to support the Anemia Mukt Bharat initiative. The allocation is a testament to the government’s dedication to addressing the health needs of vulnerable populations and ensuring that everyone has access to quality healthcare services.
In conclusion, the Government of India’s Anemia Mukt Bharat initiative is a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to eliminating anemia in women, children, and pregnant mothers. The initiative’s focus on fortified food, iron supplements, deworming, and testing reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the root causes of anemia and ensuring that everyone has access to quality healthcare services. With the allocation of ₹805.91 crore under the NHM, the initiative is well-equipped to make a significant impact in reducing anemia prevalence in India.
Source: https://www.healthcareradius.in/government-policy/anemia-policy
