Anemia Mukt Bharat Initiative Updates
The Government of India has unveiled the Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) strategy, aimed at significantly reducing anemia rates among children and women, including pregnant and lactating mothers. This comprehensive approach incorporates six key interventions, including iron and folic acid supplementation, deworming, and enhanced behavioral communication campaigns. With an allocation of ₹805.91 crores for the fiscal year 2024-25, the initiative seeks to address this pressing public health issue through a robust institutional framework.
Comprehensive Interventions to Combat Anemia
The Anemia Mukt Bharat strategy employs a life cycle approach to tackle anemia, focusing on various demographics. Key interventions include the provision of prophylactic iron and folic acid supplements tailored to different age groups. Children aged 6-59 months receive biweekly IFA syrup, while those aged 5-9 years are given IFA pink tablets. Adolescents between 10-19 years receive IFA blue tablets, and women of reproductive age are provided with IFA red tablets weekly. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are given daily IFA red tablets for 180 days to ensure adequate nutrition during critical periods. Additionally, the initiative includes deworming efforts where pregnant women receive albendazole tablets during their second trimester, and all children are treated on National Deworming Day. The program also emphasizes behavioral change communication to raise awareness about anemia, testing for the condition, and treatment in accordance with established management protocols. Furthermore, the government mandates the provision of iron-fortified food in public health programs and addresses non-nutritional causes of anemia, such as malaria and fluorosis, through a well-structured institutional mechanism.
Funding and Support for States
The National Health Mission (NHM) plays a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the Anemia Mukt Bharat program across various states and Union Territories. For the fiscal year 2024-25, the NHM has allocated ₹805.91 crores to assist states in executing their Annual Programme Implementation Plans. This funding is vital for carrying out the various activities outlined in the AMB strategy, ensuring that states have the necessary resources to combat anemia effectively. By providing financial support, the NHM aims to empower states to tailor their interventions based on local needs and challenges. This collaborative approach is essential for achieving the overarching goal of reducing anemia prevalence and improving the health outcomes of vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.
Fortification Initiatives and Laboratory Standards
The Indian government is also addressing micronutrient deficiencies through its rice fortification initiative. Fortified rice, enriched with essential micronutrients such as iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, is distributed through various welfare schemes, including the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) and the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) scheme. By March 2024, all custom-milled rice will be replaced with fortified rice across government programs, marking a significant step in tackling nutritional deficiencies. To ensure the quality of fortified rice, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has approved a list of laboratories specifically for testing fortificants in fortified rice and its components. Currently, there are 57 laboratories approved for fortified rice, 35 for fortified rice kernels, and 15 for premixes. These measures are designed to maintain high standards in food safety and nutrition, reinforcing the government’s commitment to improving public health.
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel, provided this information in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, highlighting the government’s proactive stance in addressing anemia and related health issues.
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