2019 – Posted in: Daily News – Tags: World Health Organization

INCREASING ANAEMIA AMONG CHILDRENS

For: Preliminary & Mains
Topic covers: Anaemia – causes, symptoms, preventions; World Health Organization, Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition Information System.

News Flash

In a health camp, conducted jointly by the Nilgiris Adivasi Welfare Association (NAWA) and the Health Department has reported the high prevalence of anaemia among school-going tribal childrens.

NAWA said that of the children and young adults tested, most were found to be anaemic, having haemoglobin counts far below than the normal count a healthy teenager should have.

Doctors and healthcare professionals said that lack of proper nutrition was the primary factor that had led to the high prevalence of anaemia among the tribal children.

Anaemia

Anaemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or their oxygen-carrying capacity is insufficient to meet physiologic needs, which vary by age, sex, altitude, smoking, and pregnancy status.

Causes

Iron deficiency is thought to be the most common cause of anaemia globally, although other conditions, such as folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin A deficiencies, chronic inflammation, parasitic infections, and inherited disorders can all cause anaemia.

Health effects

In its severe form, it is associated with fatigue, weakness, dizziness and drowsiness. Pregnant women and children are particularly vulnerable.

The most dramatic health effects of anaemia, i.e., increased risk of maternal and child mortality due to severe anaemia, have been well documented.

Ways to tackle Anaemia

World Health Assembly Resolution

In 2012, the World Health Assembly Resolution 65.6 endorsed Comprehensive implementation plan on maternal, infant and young child nutrition, which specified six global nutrition targets for 2025.

The second target: a 50% reduction of anaemia in women of reproductive age.

Framework for action

Public health strategies to prevent and control anaemia include:

Improvements in dietary diversity.
Food fortification with iron, folic acid and other micronutrients.
Distribution of iron-containing supplements.
Control of infections and malaria.

WHO recommendations for the prevention, control and treatment of anaemia in women:

Intermittent iron and folic acid supplementation is advised in menstruating women living in settings where the prevalence of anaemia is 20% or higher.
Daily oral iron and folic acid supplementation is recommended as part of antenatal care, to reduce the risk of low birth weight, maternal anaemia and iron deficiency
In the postpartum period, iron supplementation, either alone or in combination with folic acid, for at least 3 months, may reduce the risk of anaemia by improving the iron status of the mother.
Fortification of wheat and maize flours with iron, folic acid and other micronutrients is advised in settings where these foods are major staples.
In emergencies, pregnant and lactating women should be given the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)/WHO micronutrient supplement providing one RNI (recommended nutrient intake) of micronutrients daily (including 27 mg iron), whether or not they receive fortified rations. Iron and folic acid supplements, when already provided, should be continued.
Exclusive breastfeeding of infants for up to 6 months of age should be protected, promoted and supported.

Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition Information System (VMNIS)

The Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition Information System (VMNIS), formerly known as the Micronutrient Deficiency Information System (MDIS), was established in 1991 following a request by the World Health Assembly to strengthen surveillance of micronutrient deficiencies at the global level.

Part of WHO’s mandate is to assess the micronutrient status of populations, monitor and evaluate the impact of strategies for the prevention and control of micronutrient malnutrition, and to track related trends over time.

The objectives of the VMNIS are to

Systematically retrieve and summarize data on vitamin and mineral status of populations.
Provide Member States with up-to-date national, regional, and global assessments of the magnitude of vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Track progress towards the goal of eliminating major vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Provide tools and resources to support efforts of Member States and their partners for assessing vitamin and mineral nutritional status in populations.

Source: The Hindu

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