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With anaemia being a major health concern in the country, during the launch of ‘IAP Ki Baat, Community Ke Saath’ by Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) on Wednesday, February 13, doctors decided to start the project by addressing anaemia first.
February 13 is celebrated as World Anaemia Awareness Day.
The prevalence of anaemia is as high as 57 per cent in women (15–49 years of age) and 67.1 per cent in children (6–59 months), as per National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–21).
Through the nationwide ‘Anaemia Ki Baat, Community Ke Saath’ programme, the IAP will urge at least 44,000 paediatricians across the country to screen each child from birth till the age of 18 for early detection and intervention at no cost.
Anaemia can cause tiredness, feebleness, diminished cognitive performance and a higher risk of infections and illnesses, leading to frequent absences from school and hindered social development.
IAP President 2024 Dr GV Basavaraja said, “By raising awareness about the multifaceted consequences of childhood anaemia, comprehensive solutions can address both immediate symptoms and long-term implications of this condition.”
The IAP’s initiative aims at supporting the Centre’s anaemia elimination mission. As a part of their campaign, doctors will interact with communities and share vital information about child health. “Massive screening drives will be held as anaemia poses a major public health issue,” the IAP officials told The Indian Express.
Dr Pramod Kulkarni, national executive board member of IAP from Maharashtra, said they will be involving about 4,800 paediatricians in Maharashtra for the ongoing activity. Around 700 paediatricians from Pune are already registered with IAP. This activity will be followed by other important issues like obesity, autism, down syndrome and thalassemia.
“The fast-paced nature of modern life often leads to unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyles, contributing to the rise in childhood obesity. The complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors is thought to play a significant role in the development of autism spectrum disorders, down syndrome and thalassemia,” Dr Vasant Khalatkar IAP, President 2025, said at the online launch of the campaign.
On the occasion, Dr Vinod K Paul-Member of NITI Aayog and Dr Pukhraj Bafna, a Padmashri awardee and senior consultant paediatrician, unveiled the virtual awareness poster and video on anaemia.
