PANAJI
Goa's efforts to tackle anaemia among the population are now poised for a strategic shift, focusing on a wider scale of awareness about the disease, screening, and promoting iron-rich diet plans for those affected.
Sources in the State Family Welfare Bureau have revealed a high level of incidence among newly married women in the State, usually caused by iron deficiency.
The bureau recently launched a strategy to reach out to newly-weds through the civil registration offices across the State to create awareness and engage continuously to deal with the problem.
Meanwhile, according to Dr Vijay Naik, a senior consultant physician at Healthway Hospitals, the addition of simple everyday vegetables and other items to the regular daily diet can help combat anaemia. "Easily available and affordable foods like jaggery, papaya, carrots, and drumsticks can help," Dr Naik, who is a senior consultant physician, said.
Naik noted that the data released by the DHS' State Family Welfare Bureau related to anaemia has raised concerns about the long-term health implications for young women.
According to the data from the Bureau, 19 per cent of the 948 men tested and 36.52 per cent of the 1046 women tested in 2023 were anaemic. Anaemia, characterised by low haemoglobin levels, can lead to severe health complications if left untreated. Early detection in women of reproductive age is crucial, according to Dr Naik.
According to him, a well-balanced diet is essential, which can be achieved by adding iron-rich foods like leafy vegetables such as spinach and other greens like carrots and beetroot to daily meals. Fruits such as papaya are also excellent sources of iron, as are dried fruits, including dates and almonds.
“For non-vegetarians, options like organ meats (liver), crabs, red meat, and eggs are rich in iron. Drumsticks and brown rice are also good sources of iron. Traditional jaggery, a healthier alternative to sugar, adds iron content," he said.
If untreated, according to various medical journals and the WHO, anaemia is concerning for women planning to conceive. Naik stated that anaemia during pregnancy can lead to complications like premature delivery, low birth weight, and even maternal health risks, including haemorrhage during childbirth.
