Attendees of the Block Level ASHAs’ orientation on Anemia Mukt Bharat held at the Chief Medical Office Conference Hall, Longleng from July 4-5. (Photo Courtesy: CMO Longleng).
ASHA oriented on ‘Anemia Mukt Bharat’ in Longleng
Longleng, July 6 (MExN): The percentage of Anemia in Longleng district has more than doubled in recent years, a District health official has informed.
Citing the National Family Health Survey data, District Program Manager (DPM) NHM (National Health Mission) Nagaland, Viroli Sangtam said that the percentage of Anemia in Longleng district was 14% in 2017 but it increased to 40% in 2021.
This is not a good sign, he noted, addressing a two-day block level orientation for Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) held from July 4-5 at the Chief Medical Office Conference Hall, Longleng.
The DPM further encouraged all to work together especially at the grassroot level to bring down the prevalence of anemia.
As per a press release from CMO Longleng, Sangtam further explained to the ASHAs the meaning of Anemia Mukt Bharat and said that it was an initiative to eradicate anemia from the country.
In her welcome address, CMO Longleng, Dr Obangjungla while lauding the ASHAs for all the work they have been doing further encouraged them to do more in the future.
She further noted that the successful implementation of the initiative depends on the grassroot level and urged the ASHAs to make full use of the training and ask questions to clear any doubts.
“If the grassroot level is improved then only will the district move ahead towards a better district,” Dr Obangjungla added.
Dr Meren Phom District Program Officer, (RCH & UIP), in his orientation, shared on Anemia, its causes and prevention as well as the role of the ASHAs in ensuring that the public are aware of its prevention.
The training was attended by CMO, DPO (RCH&UIP), DPM (NHM) District Community Mobilizer (NHM) Block Asha Coordinator (BAC) and the ASHA’s of all the blocks of Longleng district, the release added.
It must be noted here that as per the NFHS-5 (2019-20), the percentage of children age 6-59 months who are anaemic in Nagaland increased to 42.7% from 26.4% in NFHS 4 (2015-16). All women age 15-19 years who are anaemic also increased to 33.9% from 26.3% during the same period.
