July to be observed as anaemia elimination month

Civil Surgeon Dr Poonam Chaudhary said under the Anemia Mukt Haryana programme, July would be observed as the anaemia elimination month across the district.

As part of the campaign, the Health Department will conduct haemoglobin tests to detect anemia among people, provide appropriate treatment, educate beneficiaries about nutrition and follow up with repeat testing to assess improvement.

She informed that a video-conference was held with all Senior Medical Officers (SMOs) and Medical Officers in-charge to ensure smooth implementation of the programme. She emphasised that anaemia, commonly referred to as “lack of blood” which was a serious health condition. “If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications. Iron and folic acid (IFA) supplements are effective in preventing anaemia and are prescribed according to the patient’s age,” Dr Chaudhary.

She further shared that the Anemia Mukt Bharat initiative was launched in Haryana in March 2019 under the Atal Abhiyan, with the goal of eliminating anaemia. Several campaigns, including anaemia elimination week and 100-day challenges, have been conducted under the initiative. Although there has been a noticeable reduction in anemia cases, the issue has not been completely eradicated, prompting the decision to dedicate the month of July to this cause, Dr Chaudhary asserted.

Dr Chaudhary explained that the beneficiaries were categorised into six groups including – children aged six months to 59 months, children aged 5 to 9 years, adolescents aged 10 to 19 years, pregnant women, women of reproductive age and lactating mothers.

She advised to stay anaemia -free, people should consume a diet rich in iron, protein and vitamin C, which are available in grains, fruits, vegetables, pulses and other food items like raisins, almonds, dates, peanuts and eggs.

Deputy Civil Surgeon Dr Shashi Garg said symptoms of anaemia might include fatigue, shortness of breath, drowsiness, frequent illness, lack of concentration in studies or sports and loss of appetite. Regular intake of IFA supplements helped in improving physical and mental growth, enhances immunity, and supports better academic and daily performance among children.