What is causing India to reconsider its anaemia policy?

Anaemia questions are excluded from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) due to accuracy problems, highlighting the importance of precise estimates in addressing India’s growing anaemia burden.
The NFHS-5 statistics show a significant increase in anaemia prevalence in India, emphasising the importance of accurate estimates in effectively addressing this public health concern.

Anaemia is characterised by low quantities of red blood cells or haemoglobin, which causes weariness and weakness.
The primary cause is iron insufficiency, but deficiencies in folate, B12, and A also play a role.
Nutritional deficits must be addressed for prevention and treatment.

For more reliable prevalence estimates, the Health Ministry shifted anaemia assessment to the Diet and Biomarkers Survey in India (DABS-I).
The DABS-I is a thorough dietary survey that collects individual data to measure food and nutritional sufficiency across the country.

Concerns about over-diagnosis: Because of the different factors that determine anaemia, using WHO cut-offs may not be appropriate for the Indian population.
Inadequacy of WHO Cut-Offs: Because the WHO’s haemoglobin cut-offs may not fully reflect the Indian anaemia condition, country-specific cut-offs are required.
Methods of Blood Sampling Differ: Venous blood sample is more accurate than capillary blood collection, which was formerly utilised in surveys.

The DABS-I collects precise food consumption data in order to identify nutritional trends and deficits that contribute to anaemia.
It gives information on the nutrient makeup of foods from various places, allowing for more focused interventions.

Anaemia is a major public health concern in India, with a high prevalence across various population groups.
Anaemia in Women: Data from national surveys show that anaemia affects a significant proportion of women in India, particularly those of reproductive age.
Anaemia in Children: Anaemia is common among children in India, with a significant proportion developing the illness at a young age.

Deficiencies in Nutrition: Iron deficiency is the leading cause of anaemia in India. Inadequate iron intake and absorption, as well as shortages in other critical minerals, all contribute to the problem.
Poverty, limited access to nutritious food, and inadequate healthcare all contribute to the high frequency of anaemia in some socioeconomically disadvantaged communities.
Infections and conditions: Malaria and helminthiasis, as well as chronic conditions such as kidney disease and cancer, might increase the chance of getting anaemia.

Anaemia can induce a variety of physical symptoms such as weariness, weakness, shortness of breath, and poor cognitive function.
Maternal and Child Health: Anaemia raises the risk of problems during pregnancy and childbirth in pregnant women. It can also cause low birth weight and developmental problems in babies.
Impaired Growth and Development: Anaemia can impede children’s growth, development, and overall well-being. It may have an impact on cognitive function, academic performance, and future production.

National Nutrition Programmes: To combat anaemia and enhance maternal and child health, the Government of India has developed a number of programmes, including the National Iron+ Initiative and the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana.
Iron and other vitamin supplementation programmes, as well as food fortification initiatives, aim to increase iron intake and combat anaemia.
Public awareness campaigns and educational programmes promote nutrition, particularly among vulnerable groups, and raise knowledge about the necessity of addressing anaemia.

Improving Access to excellent Healthcare and Nutritious Food: Improving access to excellent healthcare services, inexpensive nutritious food, and safe drinking water is critical in reducing anaemia in India.
Collaboration Across Sectors: Addressing anaemia necessitates collaboration across multiple sectors, including healthcare, nutrition, education, and social welfare, in order to develop comprehensive policies and interventions.
Evaluation and monitoring: Regular monitoring and evaluation of anaemia prevalence, intervention effectiveness, and progress towards goals are required to track progress and identify areas that require additional attention.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/explained-why-is-india-rethinking-its-anaemia-policy/article66928573.ece