Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) is among the topmost causes for years of life lost due to disability in India. This high burden has been acknowledged by the Government of India through the 2017 National Health Policy. However, its high prevalence despite the collective efforts makes it a major challenge in public health. Hence, this article discusses the trends of anemia in Indian women and the need to control it.
Time and again various surveys and polls have declared anemia to be a major public health concern, especially in developing countries, among females of reproductive age. In India, according to National Family Health Survey (NFHS)- Ⅲ, approximately 55% of women suffer from anemia. Of these, 39% have mild anemia, 15% have moderate anemia while 2% are affected by severe anemia. It has also been found that more than one-third of Indian women possess BMI (body mass index) of < 18.5…
