Last Updated on September 22, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Tabasum experienced distress when her 18-month-old daughter, Haniya, refused to eat her lunch properly, having already skipped breakfast earlier in the day. Tabasum noticed that her daughter’s appetite had been noticeably low for several weeks.
“Haniya was not eating properly. She has become lethargic and unenergetic. Despite being 18 months old, my daughter is not displaying expected cognitive development due to her poor eating habits. Children her age have already started walking, but my daughter is lagging behind,” Tabasum shared. In contrast to her cousins, who are actively engaged in various indoor and outdoor activities, Haniya displayed no interest in playing. After consulting a pediatrician, Haniya was diagnosed with anemia, and the doctor prescribed iron supplements, as recounted by Tabasum.
Troubling prevalence of anemia
Anemia is characterised by insufficient healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood to effectively transport oxygen to the body’s tissues. Hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein in red blood cells, is vital for proper bodily function.
Haniya is not the only child grappling with anemia; the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) found that approximately 73% of children aged six months to five years in Jammu and Kashmir are affected by this condition. In contrast, the fourth NFHS conducted in 2016 reported a lower prevalence of 54% of children suffering from anemia in the region.
Concerns also arose for the parents of six-year-old Usmaan when his teachers expressed worries about his academic performance. “I received a call from my son’s school teacher, who informed me that Usmaan has some medical issues. He struggles to keep up with his classmates in reading, writing, and grasping lessons,” explained Usmaan’s father, Basharat Ahmad.
Following a pediatrician’s advice, we got Usmaan tested and he was diagnosed with anemia, with his hemoglobin levels at just 7. He was promptly put on iron supplements and encouraged to opt for a balanced diet while avoiding junk food, Basharat added.
Current scenario
Dr. Suhail Nayak, a well-known pediatrician in the region, highlighted that he encounters an average of five to eight cases of anemia daily, a concerning trend. “Anemia is a global public health problem, and in Jammu and Kashmir, it is a hidden menace. People are not fully aware of its consequences, and even if they are, they often don’t take it seriously,” Dr. Nayak emphasized.
Dr. Nayak explained that the primary cause of anemia in children often stems from iron-deficient breastfeeding mothers, whose infants subsequently become anemic due to insufficient iron intake from breast milk. Anemia can severely impact a child’s overall health, leading to lower intelligence, lethargy, reduced appetite, hindered brain development, and stunted physical growth. Moreover, inadequate nutrition during the early months of a child’s life contributes to the prevalence of anemia. Breastfeeding protects babies against respiratory illness, sudden infant death syndrome, botulism and other diseases.
The NFHS-5 survey indicated that only 12% of breastfeeding children between six to 23 months old in Jammu and Kashmir receive an adequate diet. This figure was significantly higher in the 2016 survey, with 22% of breastfeeding children receiving an adequate diet. Similarly, the survey revealed that only 22% of non-breastfeeding children aged 6-23 months in Jammu and Kashmir received an adequate diet, compared to the previous survey’s figure of 32%.
Nutrition is important
Dr. Nayak pointed out that children need nutrient-rich foods from the age of six months as significant developmental changes occur in their bodies. Unfortunately, in Kashmir, many parents begin introducing solids to their infants with items like biscuits and tea, which are high in sugar and salt, offering little nutritional benefit. This poor diet contributes to various health issues, including anemia.
Dr. Nayak stressed the importance of creating a well-balanced diet plan in consultation with pediatricians when introducing solids to toddlers. Such diets should incorporate carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and iron in every meal. He further encouraged parents to watch government-led weekly programs on anemia to increase awareness and adhere to guidelines. Additionally, he urged parents to recognize the importance of a balanced diet, avoid junk food, and follow expert advice.
The prevalence of anemia is not limited to Jammu and Kashmir alone; it’s a significant concern nationwide, with at least 67% of children aged 6-59 months in India affected, compared to 58.6% in the previous 2015-16 survey. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 40% of children aged 6–59 months, 37% of pregnant women, and 30% of women aged 15–49 are anemic.
While the pristine beauty of the land may capture the eye, it’s the hidden menace of anemia that demands our attention. Understanding the importance of early nutrition and awareness in combating this silent health crisis is need of the hour.
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