The Indian scenario

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) has reached epidemic proportions in developing countries and has become a major global public health problem, affecting mainly 0–5-year-old children. Anemia is recognized as a global public health problem by the WHO . More than 75% of Indian toddlers are suffering from anemia. The average iron intake among Indian children is 2.4% of the recommended daily intake. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), there is a significant increase in the prevalence of anemia among children aged 6-59 months.

India has launched several initiatives to tackle anaemia, including:

1. Anemiamukt Bharat: a national campaign aimed at reducing anemia across all age groups, especially children.
2. Mid-day meal scheme: aimed to provide nutritious food among children.
3. Poshanabhiyan aims to achieve improvement in key nutrition parameters for children

 

center>

Impact of anaemia in the long run:

Anaemia can lead to life-threatening loss of red blood cells, muscle function, and energy production. Iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutritional disorder in the world today and is also believed to be the most important cause of anemia among children in India. It is related to poor nutritional iron intake, low iron bioavailability, and low socioeconomic status. Therefore, the pathogenic features associated with IDA are weakness and impaired growth, motor, and cognitive performance. IDA affects the well-being of the young generation and the economic advancement of developing countries, such as India.

Anaemia in children:

Anemia in children can lead to fatigue, pale skin, irritability and delayed growth. The cause can be many including:

1. Iron deficiency: This is the most common cause, often due to insufficient dietary intake or poor absorption.
2. Vitamin deficiency: This is due to a lack of vitamin B12 or folate which can impair red blood cell production.
3. Chronic disease: Conditions like kidney infection can lead to anaemia.
4. Inherited disorder: Thalassemia & sickle cell disease are genetic cause of anaemia.

 

Dr. Rahul Bidhuri: A visionary in paediatric haematology

At the forefront of research in this area is Dr. Rahul Bidhuri, MBBS, MD, Fellowships in Neonatology &Pediatrics (FIAP, FNNF, PCCM), a leading pediatric specialist in our hospital whose work has received national recognition & awards like: Bhartiya ratnasamman, Desh rattan award 2025 & Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam National Star Award. These honors not only recognise his scientific rigor but also his dedication to public health in addressing childhood anaemia.

With a deep commitment to pediatric health, Dr.Rahul is conducting a study at Rama Research Center, Baghpat, western U.P. area among 500 children of age group 0-5 yrs. This study attempted to examine the prevalence and factors associated with anaemia among children by measuring children’s HB levels and CBC. It showed that more than 60% of children are mid anemic(Hb 10.0–10.9 g/dL),20% are severe anemic (Hb < 7.0 g/dL),& remaining 20% were reported to be moderately anemic (Hb 7.0–9.9 g/dL). The study also highlighted that many children were suffering from pancytopenia, a condition where all three type of blood cells (RBC, WBC & platelets) are significantly reduced.

The study confirms that anemia in children is associated with a range of health complications, including frequent infections, weakened immunity, respiratory issues such as chest infections, and an increased risk of pneumonia emphasising the urgency of a determined, focused approach to reduce anemia, particularly in the vulnerable section of the population. The study reflected on the importance of low dietary intakes of iron, vitamin B12 and folate as contributors to anaemia.

On speaking to Dr.Rahul, he also mentioned that some children were brought to the Rama Hospital with critically low Hb, as low as 1g/dl. Under the dedicated care & treatment of Dr.Rahul and his team at Rama Hospital, they received timely medical intervention and have made full recovery.

This research is ongoing in Rama Hospital, Baghpat, where Dr.Rahul, along with the pediatrics team is now spreading awareness aimed at early detection of anemia, parent education and nutritional interventions. Children who receive timely treatment for anemia showed significant improvement in cognitive and motor development compared to the untreated group. The research also shows that anemia in early childhood correlates with delay in language acquisition, memory & emotional regulation of child,d emphasizing on early screening and intervention.

 

Take home points:

1. Anemia may be silent but its effect on child health is profound.
2. Improving iron status is probably the most important measure toward reducing the burden of anaemia.
3. Improving the intake of other nutrients such as folate and vitamin B_12, is also likely to be important.
4. It’s also important to educate the community about the health risks caused by anemia and measures to prevent the same.  

Thanks to visionaries like Dr.Rahul and our whole paediatric team, we at Rama Hospital are better equipped to confront this challenge.