Importance of Global Anemia Day

Global Anemia Day is celebrated every year on 13 February. This day is not just a formality, but a warning against the ‘silent epidemic’ that is slowly weakening our future generations. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 2 billion people, a quarter of the world’s population, are affected by anemia. Among these, the largest number are those children who have the responsibility of the future on their shoulders.

Anemia status in India

This problem is even more serious in India. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 58.5 percent of children under 5 years of age suffer from anemia. This means that every second child is anemic. From the medical point of view, it is called deficiency of hemoglobin or red blood cells (RBC), due to which sufficient oxygen does not reach the body parts. From a social point of view, this is a major ‘brake’ on the physical and mental development of children.

due to anemia

The main cause of anemia is iron deficiency, and it is a problem that can be easily prevented. In today’s fast-paced life, nutritious home-made food has been replaced by packaged junk food. Distance from green leafy vegetables and traditional grains has made children weak. Apart from this, lack of hygiene and worm infestation are also the main reasons.

effect of anemia

The effects of anemia are serious. An anemic child is unable to concentrate in school, gets tired quickly and his intellectual development is affected. This problem in pregnant women also increases the risk of low birth weight and maternal mortality.

Government initiative and individual responsibility

The government is spreading iron tablets and awareness under the ‘Anemia Mukt Bharat’ campaign, but this fight cannot depend on government efforts alone. We have to bring changes in our kitchen and lifestyle. It is necessary to include iron-rich beans, green vegetables and fortified cereals as well as Vitamin C (like lemon, tomato) in the diet of children. Vitamin C helps in the absorption of iron in the body. Along with this, distance from junk food and regular deworming is also important.

a form of malnutrition

Anemia is a form of malnutrition. To build a healthy society, it is necessary that we recognize this silent enemy and bring health back to our plate.

expert opinion

Dr. Anil Sood MD, FIAP, FICMCH