According to the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 5-2019-21, 45.41 % of women in the age group of 15-49 years are iron deficient in Bundelkhand. This is cause for concern, not only for health difficulties, but also for women's mental health issues, which are a primary cause of maternal death.
The national average is 53.8 %, while the state of Uttar Pradesh's is 50.1 %, indicating that the region is in a better condition than the national average, yet this is a cause for concern because over half of the women in this age bracket are anaemic. However, with the exception of Banda district, the results in all of the region's districts have improved since the previous survey in 2015-16.
According to the survey, 41.3% of women in this age range in Jhansi are anaemic, compared to 51.3% previously, and 46.1% in Hamirpur, compared to 54% previously. Jalaun has 44.2% anaemic women, compared to 64.8% previously, Lalitpur has 38.1% anaemic women, compared to 49.8% previously, Chitrakoot has 46.6% anaemic women, compared to 61.4% previously, Banda has 52.2% anaemic women, and Mahoba has 49.4% anaemic women, compared to 64.8 % previously.
The data shows that the districts of Chitrakoot and Mahoba, as well as the rest of the country, have done exceptionally well, with the exception of Banda, where the figures have risen.
Anemia causes teenagers' behaviour to shift, according to psychotherapist Dr Shikafa Zafrin. In addition, it is the source of their anxiety, sadness, anger, and frequent headaches. The anaemic females have low self-esteem and are unable to concentrate in class. It is critical that it be discovered early on by examining haemoglobin levels, which can be improved with medication and a healthy diet. It's not just girls from low-income families who suffer from anemito control. In all district hospitals, PHCs, and CHCs, free iron supplement drugs and blood tests are offered.
In addition, school-based awareness campaigns are held on a monthly basis. Hospitals, as well as Anganwadis, ASHA, and ANM personnel, have red and blue iron pills. In addition, tablets are being made available in classrooms. Pregnant women should take the red tablet for 180 days during their pregnancy, while girls aged 10 to 19 should take the blue tablet once a week on Mondays.
