Experts call for integrated efforts to tackle growing cases of Anemia

The health experts on Friday called for an integrated efforts along with accessible and affordable treatment to tackle the growing cases of Anemia in the country.  As per the NFHS-5 (2019-21) data, the prevalence of anemia in India has reached alarming proportions with 57 per cent of women aged 15-49 and 67 per cent of children between six months and 5 years are affected by this condition.

In a roundtable held to launch the “Movement Against Anemia” campaign, the experts emphasised on the need for a comprehensive and multi – lateral action to curb the high prevalence of anemia in the country. The health movement has been jointly launched by the Integrated Health & Wellbeing Council (IHWC) and Aishwarya Healthcare to counter the rise in anemia and to create relevant awareness.

Dr. Shyam B Bansal, Senior Director & HOD – Nephrology & Kidney Transplant, Nephrology, Medanta Hospital, said, “Anemia is a major challenge in chronic kidney disease > 70% of patients are impacted with Anemia. We need safe and efficient solutions for iron deficiencies that are available to the larger part of the population.”

Speaking on occasion, Dr Urvashi Prasad, Director-VC Office, NITI Aayog, said, “Anemia is an issue that has multi sectorial implications and siloed approach cannot work. Screening and detection are equally important specially of the vulnerable and tribal population.”

Dr. Ritu Jain, President, FOGSI, Gurgaon Obst. & Gyn Society emphasizedon good food practices and the need to move to the life course approach in women’s health.

The Council has initiated a two-pronged strategy under the anemia movement designed to harness the influence of social media for better awareness, followed by integration of all stakeholders including health practitioners, pharma companies and policy makers to identify and address the gaps and confront the challenges posed by anemia.