The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a new fact sheet highlighting anemia as a major global health concern. According to the report, approximately 40% of children worldwide are affected by anemia, along with 37% of pregnant women and 30% of women aged 15-49.
Anemia Prevalence in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
The disease is more prevalent in low- and middle-income nations, disproportionately affecting rural populations and economically weaker families. Recognizing its severity, anemia has been included in the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, with a targeted plan to reduce anemia among women aged 15-49 years.
WHO & UNICEF Join Hands to Combat Anemia
WHO and UNICEF are collaborating to tackle the rising cases of anemia. It is a key focus of the World Health Assembly’s Global Nutrition Goals, which aim to improve health outcomes worldwide.
In 2021, at the Nutrition for Growth Summit, WHO acknowledged anemia as a pressing issue and initiated efforts to develop a structured treatment framework. An Action Alliance was also formed to enhance intervention strategies.
Regions Most Affected by Anemia
Africa and South-East Asia are among the hardest-hit regions, with 106 million women and 103 million children suffering from anemia in Africa alone.
Anemia Crisis in India
India faces a severe anemia crisis, particularly among pregnant women. Recent data from the Health Ministry reveals that in states like Bihar, Gujarat, and West Bengal, over 60% of pregnant women are affected. The highest anemia rates among pregnant women are reported as follows:
- Bihar: 63.1%
- Gujarat: 62.6%
- West Bengal: 62.3%
Other states with alarming anemia levels among pregnant women include Tripura, Telangana, Punjab, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Assam, and Andhra Pradesh.
Government Strategy to Combat Anemia
As per the National Family Health Survey (2019-21), anemia affects 52.2% of pregnant women aged 15-49 years in India. To address this, the “Anemia Free India” initiative has been launched, focusing on prevention and treatment. The strategy includes:
✔ Iron and folic acid supplementation
✔ Nutritional awareness programs
✔ Improved healthcare interventions
With the combined efforts of WHO, UNICEF, and national health policies, there is hope for a significant reduction in anemia cases worldwide.
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