Relevance : GS Paper II
Theme of the Article
Anaemia is a public health emergency that needs to be addressed immediately
Introduction
India has been able to dramatically reduce the number of poor but has been unable to show a similar record against malnutrition.
Malnourishment despite govt. efforts
Despite major government interventions such as NFSA, Mid-day Meal Scheme, ICDS, the country is home to the largest number of malnourished children in the world.
The Anaemia Problem
- It affects every second child in the country.
- Poverty, gender disparity, poor sanitation, etc. continue to impede our fight against anaemia.
- The daily consumption of iron rich vegetables has reduced to 48 per cent of the population.
- NFSA’s focus on wheat and rice has forced millets out of the market.
Strategies to deal with the Anaemia Problem
- Food fortification has the potential to reach every segment of the population.
- Political will of state governments
- Flexibility to allow states to adapt the fortification model
- Capacity building of different stakeholders.
- The FSSAI’s role needs to be strengthened.
- Regular consumption of fortified food by the consumers.
Conclusion
Fortifying staples with essential nutrients holds the key in fight against anaemia.
