Srinagar, Aug 25: Three out of every four children in Jammu and Kashmir are anaemic, putting a generation’s holistic physical and mental development at risk despite having a higher socioeconomic standing than many states in India.
According to statistics from the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), 72.7 percent of children between the ages of six months and five years are anaemic. This indicates that their haemoglobin concentrations are below 11 g/dl, or 11 points as it is more often known. Surprisingly, the prevalence of anaemia has increased from 54 percent of the population under 5 as shown by NFHS 4, conducted ten years ago. Similarly, according to the NFHS 5 statistics, anaemia is prevalent in both pregnant and non-pregnant women at a rate of about 50%.
The Test, Treat, Talk Anaemia programme has been introduced throughout the 20 districts by the J&K Health and Medical Education Department to address the severe problem.
In 2018, the Government of India launched the Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) strategy to reduce the prevalence of anaemia in women, children and adolescents through life cycle approach. The 6X6X6 strategy aims to reduce anaemia among six beneficiary age groups through the implementation of six interventions and six institutional mechanisms. The UT of Jammu and Kashmir is implementing Anaemia Mukt Bharat strategy as per GOI guidelines.
All Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) services are provided across all districts in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir. Further, two aspirational districts (Kupwara district and Baramulla district) are identified under the Aspirational District programme to prioritize the reproductive health of women and children, including anaemia.
The steps taken by Government including the age specific interventions for reduction in anaemia among women and
Periodic deworming MoHFW is implementing National Deworming Day (NDD) programme under which biannual mass deworming for children and adolescents in age group 1-19 years is carried on designated dates – 10th February and 10th August every year
Pregnant women are provided services under the strategy through antenatal care contacts (ANC clinics/ VHND) for deworming (in the second trimester) Intensified year-round Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) Campaign for compliance to IFA and deworming; Appropriate Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF); Increase intake of iron-rich, protein-rich and vitamin C-rich foods; dietary diversification.
Testing and Treatment of anemia using digital methods (Digital Invasive Haemoglobinometer) in field settings, Sub Health Centres, Health and Wellness Centres; and Semi-auto analyzer in health facilities PHC and above; and point of care treatment. Anaemia Management protocols to be followed are mentioned in Operational Guidelines for Anaemia Mukt Bharat.
Management of severe anaemia in pregnant women by administration of IV Iron Sucrose/ Blood transfusion
Providing incentives to ASHA for identification and follow-up of high-risk pregnancies including severe anaemia in pregnant women.
Provision of IFA fortified food in government funded public health programmes.
Addressing non-nutritional causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.
Strengthening supply chain management of Iron and Folic Acid supplements.
Convergence and coordination with other line departments and ministries for strengthening implementation.
National Centre of Excellence and Advanced Research on Anaemia Control (NCEAR-A) at AIIMS, Delhi engaged in capacity building of health care providers and development of training toolkit.
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