Research questions ‘iron deficiency’ as key cause of anaemia in India
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 5)
| Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Health |
| Context |
| ●A study suggests that iron deficiency may not be the only cause of anaemia in India.
●Other factors like Vitamin B12 deficiency and air pollution could also play a role. |
Anaemia in Women and Adolescents
- Anaemia prevalence in women aged 15-49 was 41.1%, lower than the 60.8% recorded in the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5).
- Among adolescent girls aged 15-19, 44.3% were anaemic, compared to 62.6% in NFHS-5.
Study Overview
- Researchers from institutions like St. John’s Medical College and the National Institute of Nutrition conducted the study.
- Published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the study tested 4,500 individuals across eight states.
Possible Causes of Anaemia
- In addition to iron deficiency, the study suggests other potential causes of anaemia, including:
- Vitamin B12 or folate deficiencies.
- Blood loss.
- Environmental factors such as air pollution.
Difference in Testing Methods
- The study used venous blood draws for testing, which may have led to lower estimates of anaemia compared to the NFHS, which used capillary blood (from a pinprick).
- This study provides valuable insights into anaemia prevalence and its potential causes, particularly among women and adolescents.
| Anaemia in India |
| Reasons for High Prevalence:
●Nutritional Deficiencies: A lack of iron-rich foods such as meat, green leafy vegetables, and legumes contributes significantly. ●Infections: Parasitic infections like hookworm, malaria, and tuberculosis deplete iron levels, worsening anaemia. ● Malnutrition: Poor maternal nutrition and inadequate complementary feeding practices for infants and young children lead to higher susceptibility to anaemia. ●Economic and Social Factors: Low socioeconomic status and food insecurity, particularly in rural areas, limit access to diverse and nutritious diets. ●Cultural Beliefs: In some regions, socio-cultural practices limit the consumption of iron-rich foods, particularly for women and children. Challenges in Combatting Anaemia: ●Inadequate Healthcare Access: Many rural areas face a lack of proper healthcare infrastructure for diagnosing and treating anaemia. ●Limited Awareness: There is low public awareness regarding the importance of iron-rich diets and the causes of anaemia. ●Economic Constraints: Cost barriers to nutritious food and supplements hinder the efforts to reduce anaemia. Way Forward: ●Nutrition Education: Public awareness campaigns focusing on the importance of a balanced diet and the inclusion of iron-rich foods are essential. ●Iron Supplementation: Expanding government initiatives like iron supplementation and fortification programs in schools and communities can help mitigate deficiencies. ●Improving Healthcare Infrastructure: Strengthening healthcare access, especially in rural areas, and conducting regular screenings can aid early detection and treatment. ●Promoting Socio-economic Development: Efforts to combat poverty, improve sanitation, and provide access to nutritious food are crucial for addressing the root causes of anaemia. |
| Practice Question: Analyse the prevalence of anaemia in India, highlighting the key factors contributing to its high rates. Discuss the challenges faced in combating anaemia and suggest a way forward to address this public health issue. (250 Words /15 marks) |
For more such UPSC related Current Affairs, Check Out –Sriharikota to get third launch pad
