As per the data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)–IV (2015-16), anaemia is a health concern that affects a significant population of Indian women. The prevalence of anaemia among women aged 15 to 49 years stands at 53%, while for adolescent girls aged 15-19 years, it is slightly higher at 54%.
Anaemia is a medical condition in which a person’s red blood cells or their oxygen-carrying capacity reduces, thereby failing to meet the physiologic requirements. These requirements vary depending on factors such as age, sex, altitude, smoking habits, and pregnancy status. The leading cause of anaemia is iron deficiency. However, other factors like deficiencies of folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin A, chronic inflammation, parasitic infections, and inherited disorders can also cause anaemia.
The severe form of anaemia can cause symptoms like fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and drowsiness. Certain demographic groups like pregnant women and children are especially susceptible to anaemia.
The National Health Mission’s Efforts to Combat Anaemia
As part of the National Health Mission (NHM), several initiatives have been implemented to combat anaemia. One of the major steps taken in this direction is the launch of Anaemia Mukt Bharat(AMB) in 2018. AMB is a part of the Intensified National Iron Plus Initiative (NIPI) Program. Its primary aim is to speed up the annual rate of decline of anaemia from one to three percentage points. AMB focuses on various target groups, including children aged 6-59 months or 5-9 years, adolescent girls and boys aged 10-19 years, women of reproductive age (15-49 years), pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS)
The Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS) is another program launched under AMB to tackle the high prevalence of anaemia especially among adolescent boys and girls. The key intervention under this program is the supervised weekly intake of Iron Folic Acid (IFA) tablets. The program also includes biannual deworming with Albendazole to control worm infestation.
Besides, the government has implemented the Health management information system & Mother Child tracking system to report and track cases of anaemic and severely anaemic pregnant women.
Pregnancy and Anaemia
Anaemia detection during pregnancy becomes critical for women’s health. Therefore, the universal screening of pregnant women for anaemia forms part of ante-natal care. All pregnant women are provided with iron and folic acid tablets during their ante-natal visits through the existing network of sub-centres and primary health centres. They can also access these supplements through outreach activities at Village Health & Nutrition Days (VHNDs).
To ensure safe motherhood, the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) has been implemented. This initiative focuses on conducting special ANC check-ups on the 9th of every month. Medical officers or OBGYNs oversee these check-ups, which play a crucial role in detecting and treating cases of anaemia.
Blood Bank Operationalisation
It is also important to control complications arising due to severe anaemia. To address this, the government is working on the operationalization of Blood Banks in District Hospitals and Blood Storage Units in facilities at the sub-district level such as Sub-Divisional Hospital/ Community Health Centers.
| Target Group | Average Anemia Prevalence(%) |
|---|---|
| Women aged 15-49 years | 53 |
| Adolescent girls aged 15-19 years | 54 |
| Children 6-59 months | Data not available |
| Children 5-9 years | Data not available |
| Adolescent Boys & Girls of 10-19 years | Data not available |
| Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers | Data not available |
The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4)
The NFHS is a comprehensive, multi-round survey conducted across India in a representative sample of households. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, oversees all the NFHSs, with the International Institute for Population Sciences situated in Mumbai acting as the nodal agency. ICF International (formerly Macro International), based in Maryland, USA, provides technical assistance for all of these surveys conducted till now.
