16 lakh anaemic in state, 50,000 severely affected: NHM
As part of a 100-day anaemia prevalence reduction campaign, the National Health Mission (NHM) screened 32 lakh people in Haryana from June to September. Of these, 50%, or 16 lakh, were found anaemic, including 50,000 severely anaemic individuals.
Key statistics
- Total screened: 32 lakh (June-Sept 2024)
- Anaemic cases: 16 lakh (50%)
- Severely anaemic: 50,000
- Treated with iron and folic acid tablets: 9.18 lakh
- Referred for further management: 1.2 lakh
- Retested beneficiaries: 39,000
- 55% improved Hb levels
- 23% returned to normal Hb levels
- 78% showed measurable Hb improvement
The screened population included children aged 6-59 months, 5-9 years, adolescents aged 10-19 years, women of reproductive age (20-49 years), pregnant women, lactating mothers and men.
Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) tablets were provided to the anaemic population, and 9.18 lakh people received treatment. Around 1.2 lakh were referred to higher health facilities for further management. Retesting of 39,000 beneficiaries revealed significant improvement in haemoglobin (Hb) levels after IFA supplementation.
“Anaemia is a debilitating public health concern that disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations, such as young children, adolescents, pregnant women, lactating mothers and women of reproductive age,” said Dr Sunidhi Karol, Programme Officer, Anaemia Mukt Bharat and Child Health, NHM Haryana.
She highlighted the severe consequences of anaemia, including impaired cognitive development in children, reduced work capacity in adults and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as maternal and infant mortality, low birth weight and preterm birth.
Addressing the high prevalence of anaemia in Haryana, Dr Karol said, “We need to change dietary habits. For instance, taking tea with food inhibits iron absorption due to tannins. Similarly, palak-paneer is not ideal, as calcium in paneer blocks iron absorption from spinach. However, corn-palak is a healthier option.”
Since March 2019, Haryana has run an intensive campaign against anaemia. Dr Karol noted that the state achieved a 7.8% reduction in anaemia prevalence between 2022-23 and October 2024. Haryana also exceeded NITI Aayog’s goal of a 3% yearly decline, achieving a 3.9% reduction between FY 2022-23 and FY 2023-24.
