In a rather encouraging feat of public health intervention, Faridabad district has witnessed a substantial decline in anaemia among school students, owing to its Anaemia Mukt Faridabad Campaign. Lauded by state health authorities, this initiative has not only addressed a pressing health concern but also set a precedent for other districts to emulate.
Campaign Overview:
Initiated three months ago, the Anaemia Mukt Faridabad Campaign targeted approximately 1.19 lakh government school children across the district. The campaign involved comprehensive health check-ups, with a focus on identifying and treating anaemia among students. According to Vikram Singh, Faridabad DC, "From identifying target children to providing the best intervention, we have made a major mark. We took no additional funds but just undertook a dedicated plan."
Results and Impact:
Out of the tested 97,588 government school students, 49.7% were found to be anaemic. However, within three months of treatment, 35.6% of anaemic students showed recovery. Notably, there was a significant improvement among girls, with 25.7% becoming non-anaemic. Among boys, the recovery rate stood at 58.2%. Dr. G Anupama, Health Additional Chief Secretary, praised the initiative, stating, "The collaborative approach will ensure the success of our collective efforts in achieving the goal of anaemia-mukt Haryana."
Implementation Strategies:
The campaign's success was attributed to meticulous planning and execution. Strategies included health campaigns, regular health check-ups, and dietary interventions. Severely anaemic students were provided with comprehensive health check-ups and blood transfusions if needed. Mr. Singh highlighted the collaborative effort, stating, "This was a joint endeavour of various departments collaborating scientifically and systematically."
Recognition and Future Prospects:
The Anaemia Mukt Faridabad Campaign garnered recognition from health authorities, prompting other districts to replicate its model. Health Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Anupama recommended involving nutritionists for tailored interventions. In conclusion, Faridabad's Anaemia Mukt Campaign stands as a testament to effective public health intervention, demonstrating that significant progress can be achieved with existing resources and collaborative efforts. With its success, Faridabad moves closer to its vision of becoming anaemia-free, setting a shining example for others to follow.