Anemia is a significant public health concern in India, particularly among women. Anemia is a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or a low hemoglobin level in the blood. It can lead to fatigue, weakness, decreased cognitive function, and other health complications like thyroid disorders, blood pressure.

According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4) conducted in 2015-16, the prevalence of anemia among women aged 15-49 in India was estimated to be around 53%. This means that more than half of the women in this age group were affected by anemia, not just in rural India but this number also includes incidences of anemia among Urban Indian women.

It is important to note that anemia rates may vary across different regions within India and among different demographic groups.

Picture Courtesy: NDTV, Banega Swasth India Campaign

The Indian government (central as well as state governments) have implemented various initiatives to address anemia, such as the National Iron+ Initiative, which focuses on increasing awareness, improving iron supplementation, and fortifying commonly consumed foods with essential nutrients. This also includes Iron Folic Acid supplementation tablets given to pregnant women under various local schemes. Additionally, programs like the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) aim to provide nutritional support to pregnant women and young children.

Several factors contribute to the high prevalence of anemia among Indian women:

1. Nutritional deficiencies: Inadequate intake of iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, and other essential nutrients is a major cause of anemia. Poor diet especially among marginalized communities, and increasing prevalence of junk food among urban population contributes to nutritional deficiencies.
2. Iron-deficient diet: Traditional Indian diets often lack sufficient iron-rich foods. The predominance of vegetarian diets and limited consumption of iron-rich sources like red meat, fish, and poultry further contribute to iron deficiency.
3. Poor sanitation and hygiene: Inadequate access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities can lead to frequent infections, including parasitic infestations like hookworm, which can cause chronic blood loss and exacerbate anemia.
4. Early marriage and pregnancy: Early marriage and teenage pregnancies are prevalent in some parts of India. These factors increase the risk of anemia as young women often have insufficient nutritional reserves to support their own health and the development of the fetus. Poor nutritional status also affects the maternal and child mortality rate in India.
5. Socioeconomic factors: Poverty, limited education, and lack of awareness about proper nutrition and health practices contribute to the prevalence of anemia among Indian women. Limited access to healthcare and a weak healthcare infrastructure further exacerbate the problem.