Newborns of India at risk: Is Govt of India's Anemia Mukt Bharat campaign being implemented on the ground?

By Harasankar Adhikari

Anemia is a serious global public health issue, particularly among children under the age of five. India is no exception. It poses a significant challenge for this age group, with the prevalence being the highest globally (67.20%). Among the total anemic children, 2.2%, 36.30%, and 28.70% are classified as severely, moderately, and mildly anemic, respectively.

According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5, conducted by the International Institute of Population Studies from 2019 to 2021 across all 28 states and 8 union territories in India, anemia is a pervasive issue. The survey revealed that Ladakh in the northern region has the highest rates (91%–100%), while Chhattisgarh in the central region reports the highest incidence (87%) among the 9–11 months age group. In the eastern region, Bihar has the highest prevalence (71.7%), whereas Odisha has the lowest (66%). In the southern region, Telangana reports the highest prevalence (71%) and Kerala the lowest (38.4%). In the western region, anemia prevalence ranges from 64% to 86%, with the highest rates among the 12–23 months age group, notably in Gujarat (87.5%) and Maharashtra (85.8%). This is concerning given the higher socioeconomic status of these states.

The report identifies socioeconomic factors, child health, and maternal health status as key determinants of anemia in children. About 67.9% of children in rural areas are anemic, compared to 64.1% in urban areas. Maternal education also plays a protective role: 72.2% of children whose mothers have no education are anemic, compared to 61.7% of children whose mothers have higher education levels. The religion of a child’s family is another significant factor, with anemia affecting 48.7% of Christian children, 68.7% of Muslim children, and 69% of Hindu children.

Maternal health status significantly influences anemia prevalence among children. Children of mothers with a normal body mass index (BMI) are at a lower risk compared to those of underweight or overweight mothers. Anemic mothers have a much higher likelihood of having anemic children (72.6%) compared to non-anemic mothers (59.3%). The survey also highlights that anemia affects 75.80% of infants aged 6–8 months and increases to 78.80% among those aged 12–23 months. Alarmingly, the NFHS-5 shows an 8.5% increase in infant anemia compared to NFHS-4.

Addressing child anemia requires improving household socioeconomic status, reducing maternal poverty, and increasing maternal education. A lack of awareness regarding neonatal nutrition and limited maternal education are critical contributors to anemia prevalence.

The Government of India has initiated the Anemia Mukt Bharat (Anemia-Free India) campaign. It is essential to evaluate how effectively these programs are being implemented on the ground.

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