Steps Taken by Government to Eradicate Anaemia Among Pregnant Women 

Steps Taken by Government to Eradicate Anaemia Among Pregnant Women 

Part of: Mains GS-II: Health

In News: As per recently released National Family Health Survey-V data, 52.2 percent pregnant women in the age group 15-49 years are estimated to be anaemic in the country.

Health: State Subject

Steps taken – 

In 2018, the Government of India launched the Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) strategy with the target to reduce anaemia in women, children and adolescents in life cycle approach. Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) strategy as a part of Poshan Abhiyan aims to strengthen the existing mechanisms and foster newer strategies to tackle anaemia, which include testing & treatment of anaemia in school going adolescents & pregnant women, addressing non nutritional causes of anaemia and a comprehensive communication strategy. 

• Prophylactic Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation including Adolescents girls (10-19 years)
• Intensified     year-round   Behaviour   Change  Communication (BCC)
• Campaign including ensuring delayed cord clamping
  • Testing of anaemia using digital methods and point of care treatment
  • Addressing non-nutritional causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis
  • Management of severe anaemia in pregnant women undertaken by administration of IV Iron Sucrose/Blood transfusion
  • Providing incentives to the ANM for identification and follow-up of pregnant women with severe anaemia in high priority districts (HPDs)
  • Training and orientation of Medical Officers and front line-workers on newer Maternal Health and Anaemia Mukt Bharat guidelines
  • Field level awareness by ASHAs through community mobilization activities and IEC and BCC activities focused on anaemia in pregnant women

News Source: PIB