Central Idea

• Anaemia questions are excluded from National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) due to concerns about accuracy, emphasizing the need for precise estimates to address India’s growing anaemia burden.
• NFHS-5 data reveals a significant increase in anaemia prevalence in India, underscoring the urgency of accurate estimates to effectively tackle this public health challenge.

 Anaemia: A bigger menace

• Anaemia is characterized by low red blood cells or haemoglobin levels, leading to symptoms like fatigue and weakness.
• Iron deficiency is the primary cause, but deficiencies in folate, vitamins B12, and A also contribute.
• Addressing nutritional deficiencies is crucial for prevention and treatment.

Shift to DABS-I for Anaemia Assessment

• The Health Ministry shifted anaemia assessment to Diet and Biomarkers Survey in India (DABS-I) for more accurate prevalence estimates.
• DABS-I is a comprehensive dietary survey collecting individual data to assess food and nutrient adequacy nationwide.

Reasons for Methodology Change

• Concerns of Over-Diagnosis: Using WHO cut-offs may not suit the Indian population due to various factors that influence anaemia.
• Inadequacy of WHO Cut-Offs: Country-specific cut-offs are needed as the WHO’s haemoglobin cut-offs may not reflect the Indian anaemia situation accurately.
• Differences in Blood Sampling Methods: Venous blood sampling is more accurate than the capillary blood sampling used in previous surveys.

Role of DABS-I Dietary Survey

• DABS-I collects detailed dietary intake data to understand nutritional patterns and deficiencies contributing to anaemia.
• It provides information on nutrient composition in foods from different regions, aiding targeted interventions.

Prevalence of Anaemia in India

• High Burden: Anaemia is a significant public health concern in India, with a high prevalence across different population groups.
• Anaemia among Women: Data from national surveys indicate that a considerable percentage of women in India, particularly those in the reproductive age group, are affected by anaemia.
• Anaemia among Children: Anaemia is also prevalent among children in India, with a substantial proportion experiencing this condition at a young age.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Nutritional Deficiencies: Iron deficiency is the primary cause of anaemia in India. Inadequate intake and absorption of iron, along with deficiencies in other key nutrients, contribute to the problem.
• Socioeconomic Factors: Factors such as poverty, limited access to nutritious food, and inadequate healthcare contribute to the high prevalence of anaemia in certain socioeconomically disadvantaged populations.
• Infections and Diseases: Certain infections, such as malaria and helminthiasis, and chronic diseases like kidney disease and cancer, can increase the risk of developing anaemia.

Impact on Health and Well-being

• Physical Symptoms: Anaemia can cause a range of physical symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and impaired cognitive function.
• Maternal and Child Health: Anaemia in pregnant women increases the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. It can also lead to low birth weight and developmental issues in infants.
• Impaired Growth and Development: Anaemia among children can hinder their growth, development, and overall well-being. It may affect cognitive function, school performance, and future productivity.

Government Initiatives and interventions

• National Nutrition Programs: The Government of India has implemented various programs, such as the National Iron+ Initiative and the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, to address anaemia and improve maternal and child health.
• Supplementation and Fortification: Iron and other micronutrient supplementation programs, along with food fortification initiatives, aim to enhance iron intake and combat anaemia.
• Awareness and Education: Public awareness campaigns and educational programs focus on promoting nutrition, especially among vulnerable groups, and raising awareness about the importance of addressing anaemia.

Challenges and Future Directions

• Access to Healthcare and Nutritious Food: Improving access to quality healthcare services, affordable nutritious food, and clean drinking water is crucial in addressing anaemia in India.
• Multisectoral Collaboration: Addressing anaemia requires collaboration across various sectors, including healthcare, nutrition, education, and social welfare, to develop comprehensive strategies and interventions.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular monitoring and evaluation of anaemia prevalence, intervention effectiveness, and progress towards targets are essential to track improvements and identify areas that require further attention.

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