Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health (Mar 2022)
A micro review of a nutritional public health challenge: Iron deficiency anemia in India
Abstract
Background: When a person's haemoglobin levels fall below acceptable levels, it is known as anemia, in the expressions of the World Health Organization. Anemia impacts an estimated 24.8% of the world i.e., about 1.62 billion people. The global frequency of anemia was 25% between 1993 and 2005. The prevalent cause of anemia in the world is iron deficiency. About two billion people across the world are iron deficient. Method: It is a review-based article. The authors reviewed different existing research papers on PubMed, science direct and web of science databases. Authors also took help of government-based information and findings. Objective: Despite growing national and international attention, as well as current government prevention strategies, the occurrence of anemia in Indians, particularly women, has remained at 45% since 1990, and is significantly connected to deficiency of iron. Thus, being a growing threat. As a result, it is becoming an increasing menace. Findings: A persistently high level of anemia among Indian women that is about 53% of all women have anemia, according to the National Family Health Survey (2015–2016) is a serious concern, and the 2017 National Health Policy recognizes such a high burden which is proposed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Conclusion: Although there are still significant technological hurdles in the detection of anemia in the general population, identifying its occurrence and severity is crucial. Many nations have long-standing programs aimed at preventing and controlling iron deficiency anemia, but only a handful have a well-coordinated plan to address the disease. The country's present health data infrastructure should be combined with a constant monitoring and assessment methodology so that it becomes second nature.
