Anaemia affects 57% of women and 67% of children in India

Anaemia is a health issue affecting many people worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 40% of children aged 6–59 months, 37% of pregnant women, and 30% of women aged 15–49 are affected by it. This condition is especially concerning in low-income and rural areas. Anaemia occurs when there aren’t enough red blood cells or when the hemoglobin in these cells is too low. Hemoglobin is important because it carries oxygen throughout the body. Symptoms of anaemia can include tiredness, fatigue, dizziness, pale skin, and heart palpitations. In India, anaemia rates have increased over recent years. Data from a national survey showed that the rates rose from 53% to 57% among women and from 58.6% to 67% among children. However, experts argue that certain diagnostic criteria used to determine anaemia may not be suitable for the Indian population. For example, the WHO's hemoglobin cut-offs for diagnosing anaemia might not accurately reflect the health of people in India. To improve the understanding of anaemia in India, the government is moving assessments to a new survey focusing on diet and health. A recent study found that 34.9% of those tested were anaemic, but only 9% had clinically significant iron-deficiency anaemia. This suggests that other causes of anaemia need to be addressed. The consequences of anaemia are severe. It can impact educational performance, productivity, and lead to poor health outcomes during pregnancy. It also poses financial challenges for individuals and communities. Preventing and treating anaemia often involves dietary changes and supplements, such as iron and vitamins. Consulting healthcare providers is essential for anyone who thinks they might be anaemic. Overall, improving diets and addressing underlying health issues are key steps in tackling anaemia.