FOREWORD
Every person, regardless of nationality or region, desires to stay healthy. However, there are often misconceptions and neglect when it comes to basic healthcare. In India, a country known for its rich traditions of Yoga and Ayurveda, we often fail to prioritize our own well-being. One prevalent health issue in Asia, including India, is anaemia. Anaemia is not just a disorder; it is a result of neglecting our own bodies. In this blog, we will shed light on the importance of anaemia awareness and the role of a nutritious diet in combating this prevalent condition.
India is one of the countries with anaemia as a serious public health concern today. Almost 50 percent of the pregnant women, 59 percent of children under five years of age, 54 percent of adolescent girls and 53 percent of non-pregnant non-lactating women of our country are anaemic. Anaemia during pregnancy is associated with post-partum haemorrhage, neural tube defects, low birth weight, premature births, stillbirths, and maternal deaths. In other populations, anaemia is associated with lowered immunity, poor cognitive development, and decreased work productivity. The morbidity and mortality risks associated with anaemia calls for an urgent need to design an effective strategy to address this public health problem. Concerted efforts to address this challenge, in congruence with the recently launched POSHAN Abhiyaan and convergent actions in form of the “Anaemia Mukt Bharat” strategy are a welcome step.
Recent data as per National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5),2019-21 shows that anaemia affects 67.1% of Children aged 6-59 months and 59.1% of all women aged 15-19 years in the country. Further analysis shows considerably high disparity of anaemia prevalence among rural and urban areas.
India has been facing the challenge of high prevalence of anaemia, but a comprehensive strategy to tackle the issue had been missing. Technical guidelines for control of Iron Deficiency Anaemia in children and pregnant women and lactating mothers were in place but the operational mechanisms for implementing the same were needed.
Anaemia Awareness Campaigns:
Anaemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or their oxygen-carrying capacity is insufficient to meet the body’s physiological requirements, which vary by age, sex, altitude, smoking habits, and during pregnancy. The manifestations of anaemia vary by its severity and range from fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and drowsiness to impaired cognitive development of children and increased morbidity.
Raising awareness about anaemia is crucial for early detection and effective management. Community outreach, education programs, and media campaigns are vital in this endeavour. Successful initiatives have shown the positive impact of increasing knowledge about anaemia, improving screening rates, and promoting healthy lifestyle practices. Social media, television, and print media have become powerful platforms for disseminating information and raising awareness about anaemia, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Addressing Anaemia in Rural Areas:
Rural areas in India face unique challenges in combating anaemia due to limited access to healthcare facilities and resources. Tailored strategies for rural communities are necessary to overcome these challenges. Mobile health clinics, community health workers, and decentralized iron and folic acid supplementation programs can make a significant difference. Additionally, community engagement, local leadership, and partnerships with non-governmental organizations play a crucial role in implementing successful anaemia interventions in rural areas.
Collaboration between Health and Education Sectors:
The collaboration between the health and education sectors can be a powerful force in addressing anaemia in India. Integrating anaemia prevention and management initiatives into school health programs is essential. Regular health screenings in schools, promoting nutritious meals in school feeding programs, and incorporating health education into the curriculum can empower students with knowledge about anaemia and healthy lifestyles. Training teachers and school staff to identify anaemia symptoms and refer students for further evaluation and treatment is crucial.
Anaemia in Men and the Elderly:
While anaemia is commonly associated with women and children, it also affects men and the elderly population. This section highlights the prevalence and impact of anaemia in these groups, shedding light on the specific challenges they face. Tailored screening approaches, targeted interventions, and the inclusion of men and the elderly in anaemia awareness and management efforts are necessary. Addressing the underlying causes of anaemia in these populations, such as gastrointestinal disorders or chronic diseases, is essential for effective management.
The Role of Healthcare Providers:
Healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and community health workers, play a vital role in identifying and managing anaemia cases. Adequate training on anaemia detection, treatment protocols, and counselling patients on dietary modifications is essential. A multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals at various levels of care ensures effective anaemia management. Regular monitoring and follow-up care are important for tracking the progress of anaemia management and ensuring positive health outcomes.
Policy Interventions and Government Support:
Government policies and interventions have a significant impact on combating anaemia in India. This section explores the policy landscape related to anaemia prevention and management. Provision of iron and folic acid supplementation, food fortification programs, and maternal and child health initiatives are crucial. Government support, funding, and the integration of anaemia interventions into existing health programs are essential for sustainable progress. Learning from successful policy interventions implemented in other countries can provide valuable insights and serve as models for India.
Best Iron Rich meals for anaemia – Tumcha Part
Concluding Statements –
Addressing the screening and awareness of anaemia, along with promoting a nutritious diet, is crucial for combating the high prevalence of anaemia in India.
Concerted efforts to address this challenge, in congruence with the recently launched POSHAN Abhiyaan and convergent actions in the form of “Anaemia Mukt Bharat” strategy are a welcome step. The strategy emphasizes on improving supply chain, targeted monitoring and continuous social mobilization using various channels of communication. I urge States and key stakeholders to build priority on this strategy aiming to achieve long term health and economic outcomes.
Let us all come together to work towards achieving the envisaged outcomes under the Anaemia Mukt Bharat initiative integrated with other initiatives under National Health Mission (NHM) and POSHAN Abhiyaan for achieving better health outcomes of our nation.
Regards
Nikita Patil Ramteke
Postgraduate in Food & Nutrition, Senior Level Nutritionist Professional
Eminent Nutrition Expert, Certified Diabetes Educator,
Wellness Coach and Consultant Clinical Dietitian
Founder of “The Nutra Power” and Director of Nutrafit
