Daily Current Affairs : 8-August-2024
Anaemia is a significant health concern in India, especially among vulnerable groups like children, adolescents, and women. To address this issue, the Indian government has launched the Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) strategy, aiming to reduce anaemia in six key groups: children aged 6-59 months, children 5-9 years, adolescents 10-19 years, women of reproductive age, pregnant women, and lactating women. The strategy focuses on improving nutrition and overall health to reduce the burden of anaemia across the country.
Key Groups Targeted through AMB
The AMB strategy targets the following groups, who are most at risk for anaemia:
- Children (6-59 months): This age group is highly vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies that lead to anaemia.
- Children (5-9 years): School-age children often suffer from anaemia due to poor dietary intake.
- Adolescents (10-19 years): This period of rapid growth increases the risk of iron deficiency.
- Women of reproductive age: Menstrual blood loss, along with poor nutrition, contributes to anaemia in women.
- Pregnant women: Increased iron demand during pregnancy makes them more susceptible to anaemia.
- Lactating women: Women who are breastfeeding also face a higher risk of iron deficiency.
Interventions Under AMB
To achieve the goal of a Anaemia Mukt Bharat, the government has introduced several interventions. These interventions are designed to address both nutritional and non-nutritional causes of anaemia.
- Iron and folic acid supplementation: Daily supplements are provided to vulnerable groups, especially children, adolescents, and women, to ensure they receive adequate iron and folic acid.
- Deworming: Intestinal worms can reduce nutrient absorption, leading to anaemia. Regular deworming programs are crucial to combat this.
- Behaviour change communication campaigns: These campaigns raise awareness about the importance of proper nutrition and healthy practices to prevent anaemia.
- Anaemia testing and treatment: Regular screening helps identify individuals with anaemia and provides timely treatment.
- Fortified food: The government promotes the consumption of iron-fortified foods to improve nutritional intake.
- Addressing non-nutritional causes: Efforts are also made to reduce other factors that contribute to anaemia, such as infections and environmental factors.
Important Points:
Key Points on Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) Strategy:
- Anaemia is a major health issue in India, especially among vulnerable groups like children, adolescents, and women.
Target Groups for AMB:
- Children (6-59 months): Vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies leading to anaemia.
- Children (5-9 years): Often suffer from anaemia due to poor dietary intake.
- Adolescents (10-19 years): Increased risk of iron deficiency during rapid growth.
- Women of reproductive age: Menstrual blood loss and poor nutrition contribute to anaemia.
- Pregnant women: Higher iron demands during pregnancy make them susceptible to anaemia.
- Lactating women: Increased risk of iron deficiency while breastfeeding.
Key Interventions Under AMB:
- Iron and folic acid supplementation: Daily supplements to vulnerable groups to ensure adequate nutrition.
- Deworming: Regular deworming programs to prevent nutrient absorption issues due to intestinal worms.
- Behaviour change communication campaigns: Raise awareness about the importance of proper nutrition and healthy practices.
- Anaemia testing and treatment: Regular screenings to identify and treat anaemia early.
- Fortified food: Promoting the consumption of iron-fortified foods to improve nutritional intake.
- Addressing non-nutritional causes: Tackling factors like infections and environmental issues that contribute to anaemia.
Why In News
The Indian government is implementing the Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) strategy to reduce anaemia among six key groups: children aged 6-59 months, children 5-9 years, adolescents 10-19 years, women of reproductive age, pregnant women, and lactating women. This comprehensive approach is designed to address both nutritional and non-nutritional factors contributing to anaemia, aiming for a healthier, anaemia-free India.
MCQs about Anaemia Mukt Bharat
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Which of the following groups is NOT specifically targeted by the Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) strategy?
A. Children aged 6-59 months
B. Adolescents aged 10-19 years
C. Elderly individuals
D. Pregnant women
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Which of the following is NOT an intervention under the Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) strategy?
A. Iron and folic acid supplementation
B. Deworming
C. Provision of free healthcare to elderly
D. Fortified food
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What is the primary aim of the Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) strategy?
A. To provide financial support to pregnant women
B. To reduce the prevalence of anaemia in specific vulnerable groups
C. To improve overall life expectancy
D. To increase the population’s vitamin D intake
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Which of the following is an intervention included in the AMB strategy to combat anaemia?
A. Promoting the consumption of iron-fortified foods
B. Offering free medical treatment for heart disease
C. Reducing tobacco consumption
D. Providing free education to children
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