Anemia Hitting the Indian Roots : Epidemic or Chronic?

Anemia prevalence in young children continues to remain over 70% in most parts of India despite the policy being in place certain programs initiated for a long time. India tops the list of most anemic women and children. Iron deficiency anemia has remained the top cause of disability for almost 10 years.

As per the IndiaSpend analysis of last two global burden of disease surveys, the result of poverty, malnutrition, poor sanitation and imbalanced vegetarian diet, anemia has impacted the productivity of India’s workforce. Anemia is a condition that develops when your blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells, patients with less hemoglobin and fewer red blood cells, other cells are less likely to receive the oxygen they require to function. Various online medical stores in collaboration with campaigns to spread awareness have started promoting & selling vaccinations and medication supplements for anemia.

As anemia is now a severe public health problem as almost 40% of the population is diagnosed with it. Low hemoglobin levels lower the productivity and cause illness further leading to death. It imposes economic costs, the loss of gross domestic product to anemia was estimated at $22.64 billion in 2016, more than three times the health budget for 2017–18.

Parameters for Anemia

Men with hemoglobin levels less than 13 grams per deciliter are considered anemic. According to World Health Organizations norms, women with levels lower than 12 g/dL are considered anemic if they are not expecting. In case of pregnant ladies, levels lower than 11 g/dL signal anemia. The Global Nutrition Report 2017 says 51% of Indian women are of reproductive age are anemic.

Anemia Impact

The major cause of Anemia is Nutritional Deficiency. Nearly half of the cases of nutritional deficiency related anemia in India is caused by consuming too little iron or lesser than the required quantity. Inadequate intake of Vitamins B9 and B12 is also considered among the major causes of Anemia in India.

Despite various programs and campaigns by the government since 2005, iron deficiency anemia has remained India’s top cause of disability. Disability, in this case, means the absence of good health, in fact, iron deficiency anemia was a bigger cause of disability in 2016 than in 1990.

Dealing with Anemia

Given the severity of the problem, the government of India has been working towards targeted anemia control through the National Nutritional Anemia Prophylaxis Programme (NNAPP) for the last four and a half decades. Carried out through Primary Health Centers and sub-centers, NNAPP targets children within 1–5 years, and pregnant and nursing mothers, and provide them with iron and folate supplements. Effective implementation of the same seems a challenge. Health and nutrition specialists have pointed out that distribution of iron tablets under this program has not let to corresponding consumption. The reason could be lack of counseling among the population, especially in children and women. The possible solution could be counseling sessions in schools, institutions, and hospitals, people should be known about the ill effects of not consuming an adequate amount of iron and the severe health issues which could be a part of life if neglected the condition.

Have an iron-rich, nutritious diet and stay healthy!