Mumbai: With 54% of women of reproductive age and 57% of adolescents in Maharashtra suffering from anaemia, the state govt on Monday announced plans to launch an ‘Anaemia-Free Maharashtra’ campaign to halve the prevalence across target groups by 2030.The state public health department issued a govt resolution for the campaign, which will cover children, adolescents, women of reproductive age, pregnant women and lactating mothers. It will focus on screening, treatment, regular follow-ups and nutrition awareness.The National Family Health Survey-5 found that anaemia affects 67% of people in some tribal and other districts. In 17 districts, prevalence is higher than the state average.According to govt, iron deficiency accounts for nearly half of anaemia cases. Other causes include deficiencies of vitamin B12 and folic acid, frequent infections and inherited blood disorders such as thalassaemia and sickle cell disease.
