Dr Khalatkar initiates IAP Presidential Action plan, launches ‘Bye Bye Anaemia’

 

 

 

Considering the seriousness of anaemia, National President of the Indian Academy of Paediatricians Dr Vasant Khalatkar launched the ‘Bye Bye Anaemia’ and ‘Breath Easy Busyatra’ projects. This project is the part of IAP Presidential Action Plan. Dr Khalatkar told ‘The Hitavada,’ “Anaemia is the major public health concern all over the world, and almost 25% of the world’s population is anaemic. Most vulnerable population is less than 5 years old; particularly children less than 2 years old suffer from anaemias due to iron deficiency, folate or vitamin B12 deficiency, thalassaemia, sickle cell anaemia, infections, and blood diseases. 50% of childhood anaemia is due to nutritional deficiencies, mainly due to iron deficiency. Folate/B12 deficiency is found in more than 1/3 of all the age groups. Rural prevalence is 68.3%; urban is 64.2%.”

 

“While many other indicators of nutritional outcomes have improved over time, India’s anaemia numbers appear to have worsened, as indicated in our NFHS data. Urgent need for targeted interventions for anaemia and nutritional deficiencies of children in our country. We need to combat anaemia by all possible means in all age groups by everyone around the child for a healthier child, family, community, and nation,” explained Dr Khalatkar. Anaemia is preventable as well as treatable!! Anaemia affects school performance, memory, concentration, and learning. Anaemia leads to delay in growth and puberty and reduces physical strength. Children with anaemia are prone to infections due to reduced immunity. Children born to anaemic mothers may be premature, with low birth weight. Ultimately it reduces productivity and future earning potential, pointed out Dr Sanjay Pakhmode, noted Paediatrician and President of State AOP. Dr Shilpa Hazare, President of AOP, Nagpur, advised, “Maintain exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months. Starting appropriate complementary feeds at appropriate times.

 

Oral iron may be initiated based on history, haemoglobin, and other blood counts without the need for biochemical investigations. Reduce consumption of junk food; do regular deworming.” The ‘Bye Bye Anaemia and Breathe Easy Bus Yatra’ is a child-focused mobile health initiative targeting anemia and respiratory health challenges in schools. This programme aims to improve the well-being of children by providing on-site screenings and educating them on preventive health practices, elaborated Dr Avinash Gawande, noted paediatrician.

 

Under this project, HB tests and child-friendly respiratory screenings, interactive talks tailored for children on healthy habits, pre-event coordination to ensure smooth implem entation, early identification of anaemia and respiratory health issues in children, and increased awareness about preventive care among children, parents, and schools.