Government Provides Iron and Folic Acid Supplements to 15.4 Crore Children and Adolescents in Q2 FY25
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a significant health initiative, the Indian government has supplied iron and folic acid supplements to 15.4 crore children and adolescents in the second quarter of FY 2024-25, reinforcing efforts towards the Anaemia Mukt Bharat mission, aimed at combating anaemia among vulnerable populations.
Key Takeaways
- 15.4 crore children/adolescents received supplements.
- Anaemia affects 67.1% of children and 59.1% of adolescent girls.
- The program utilizes a 6x6x6 strategy for effective implementation.
- Age-specific supplementation is crucial for different groups.
- Focus on breaking the cycle of malnutrition.
New Delhi, April 18 (NationPress) Approximately 15.4 crore children and adolescents have been provided with iron and folic acid supplements during the second quarter (Q2) of FY 2024-25, as reported by the government on Friday, reinforcing the commitment to the "Anaemia Mukt Bharat" initiative.
In India, 67.1 percent of children and 59.1 percent of adolescent girls are affected by anaemia, with three out of four Indian women experiencing inadequate dietary iron intake.
The Anaemia Mukt Bharat approach employs a 6x6x6 framework—comprising 6 interventions, 6 target beneficiary groups, and 6 institutional mechanisms.
Within this strategy, six interventions are designed to lower the incidence of both nutritional and non-nutritional anaemia across six age groups including pre-school children (6-59 months), children (5-9 years), adolescents (10-19 years), pregnant women, lactating mothers, and women of reproductive age (15-49 years) by following a life cycle approach.
The ‘Anaemia Mukt Bharat’ initiative is executed in every village, block, and district across all states and Union Territories through established delivery systems as outlined in the National Iron Plus Initiative (NIPI).
This strategy customizes Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation based on age and physiological requirements.
Children aged 6–59 months receive biweekly IFA syrup, while those aged 5–10 years are provided with a weekly pink tablet.
Adolescents (10–19 years) and non-pregnant, non-lactating women (20–49 years) receive weekly blue or red IFA tablets, respectively.
Women in the pre-conception phase and during the first trimester are advised to consume daily folic acid tablets. Pregnant women commence daily IFA tablets from the second trimester and continue through pregnancy and for six months post-delivery.
All supplements adhere to standardized dosages and are color-coded for straightforward identification.
"India's dedication to eradicating anaemia serves as a global model for inclusive public health initiatives. With the Anaemia Mukt Bharat strategy, the government has successfully provided Iron-Folic Acid supplementation, deworming, fortified nutrition, and educational campaigns to millions of women, children, and adolescents,” stated the government.
By focusing on the health of its most vulnerable populations—girls, mothers, and young children—India is addressing the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition.
