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India’s Anemia Challenge: Anemia, primarily due to iron deficiency, affects millions, especially women, children, and adolescents in India. NFHS-5 data shows high prevalence: 67.1% of children and 59.1% of adolescent girls are anemic. 3 in 4 Indian women have low dietary iron intake.
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Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB): Launched in 2018, the AMB campaign aims to reduce anemia through a 6x6x6 framework: 6 interventions, 6 target groups, and 6 institutional mechanisms. It integrates with POSHAN Abhiyaan and School Health Program.
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Key Interventions:
- Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation: Age-appropriate IFA is provided to vulnerable groups.
- Deworming: Biannual deworming for children and adolescents; antenatal deworming for pregnant women.
- Behavior Change Campaigns: Year-round campaigns promoting key behaviors to combat anemia (Solid Body, Smart Mind).
- Anemia Testing and Treatment: Digital methods for anemia screening, especially for pregnant women and adolescents.
- Food Fortification: Mandatory fortification of foods with Iron and Folic Acid in government programs.
- Addressing Non-Nutritional Causes: Focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies, and fluorosis in endemic areas.
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Progress & Initiatives: 15.4 crore children/adolescents received Iron and Folic Acid supplements in Q2 FY 2024-25. Digital tools track real-time anemia screening and supply data.
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Vulnerable Groups & Impact: Children under 5, adolescent girls, menstruating women, and pregnant women are most vulnerable. Anemia leads to impaired cognitive and motor development, decreased work capacity, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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Global Context: Anemia affects hundreds of millions worldwide. The WHO has included anemia reduction in its Global Nutrition Targets and is developing a multisectoral framework for prevention and management.
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India’s Commitment: India’s commitment to eliminating anemia is a global example of inclusive public health action that will help the long-term human development.
