Without concerted action, 18 million more girls and women could become anaemic by 2030: Experts warn
Describing anaemia as one of South Asia's most persistent health and equity challenges, the UN health agency has urged the governments in the region to take urgent and unified action.
"Experts warn that without concerted action, 18 million more girls and women could become anaemic by 2030, adding to the current burden of 259 million," the WHO said in a press release.
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said anaemia remained a public health concern in his country, affecting 18.5 per cent of women of reproductive age and 14.6 per cent of children under five.
Sri Lanka is jointly hosting with the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), UNICEF, WHO and other partners, a regional conference this week in Colombo, aimed at shaping a shared regional framework on the issue.
Anaemia occurs when the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen, resulting in people feeling weak, tired, and more susceptible to illness.
"This is a clarion call for action. When half of all adolescent girls and women in South Asia are anaemic, it's not only a health issue, but also a signal that systems are failing them," said Sanjay Wijesekera, Regional Director of UNICEF South Asia.
Saima Wazed, Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia, said that tackling anaemia is not just about health; it is foundational to the well-being of women and girls.
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are witnessing encouraging local results through school-linked nutrition, data-driven strategies, and community-level interventions, according to the WHO release.
"Anaemia is not just a health crisis. It is a marker of inequality. It stifles potential, productivity and entire economies, costing the South Asia region $32.5 billion each year," it added.
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