Opinion | The Growing Burden of Anaemia Among Children in Jammu and Kashmir

The importance of women’s nutrition and maternal awareness in addressing childhood anaemia in vulnerable communities

Anaemia is one of the most prevalent yet least talked about health issues in children today. In many parts of our country, particularly in areas such as Jammu and Kashmir, there is a high number of children below the age of five living with anaemia. When I consider this fact, it becomes obvious that anaemia is not only a health problem, it is a silent crisis that threatens the physical, mental, and emotional growth of a whole generation.

Anaemia is a condition that arises when the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin to transport oxygen effectively. Oxygen is vital to all body parts, particularly the brain and muscles. Children who fail to get sufficient oxygen in their blood start exhibiting signs of weakness in their bodies. They are fatigued, pale, and in most cases, they do not have the energy to do normal things such as playing, learning and exploring the world around them.

One of the most alarming consequences of anaemia is its impact on early childhood development. The first five years of life are critical for physical growth and brain development. During this period, the brain develops rapidly. A deficiency of essential nutrients, such as iron, during these years, it influences the way the brain develops and operates. Anaemic children often struggle with concentration, learning and memory. These difficulties may be carried into school and influence academic achievement and self-esteem.

Anaemia also weakens a child’s immune system. Anaemic children are more prone to sickness and slow to heal infections. The condition is also aggravated by frequent illness that decreases appetite and nutrient intake. This is a vicious circle of bad health resulting in bad nutrition and bad nutrition resulting in even worse health.

Poor nutrition remains the primary cause of anaemia in young children. Many children eat diets that are full but not balanced. Foods such as rice, bread, or plain cereals can fill the stomach, but they lack sufficient iron, folate, or vitamin B12. Iron-rich foods, such as green leafy vegetables, lentils, beans, eggs, meat, fish, and fortified foods, are often missing from daily meals. When these nutrients are not consumed regularly, anaemia gradually develops.

The health of the mother is another crucial factor. A child’s nutritional status begins even before birth. If a woman is anaemic during pregnancy, her baby will most probably be born with low iron stores. This exposes the child to anaemia at the earliest stage of life. The issue is silently transferred between generations when maternal anaemia is not treated. That is why improving women’s nutrition is just as important as improving children’s diets.

Post-infancy feeding practices are important in the prevention of anaemia. The first six months of life should be exclusively breastfed, and this offers protection against most infections. But six months later, breast milk is no longer sufficient to satisfy the growing iron requirements of a child. At this age, children need complementary foods that are rich in iron. Regrettably, most families present watery, diluted, or low-nutrition foods. These foods stuff the stomach but fail to promote healthy growth or prevent anaemia.

Poor diets have also been a contributing factor in the past few years. Packaged snacks, fried foods, sugary foods, and junk foods have become a common part of the diet of children. Such foods can be delicious and convenient, yet they have minimal nutritional value. When children consume such foods regularly, they substitute healthier foods that may contain vital nutrients. This causes deficiencies, such as iron deficiency, over time and predisposes to anaemia.

Social and emotional impacts of anaemia are also not well considered. Children who are always fatigued or ill might seem less active or less interested in school and social life. They are sometimes labelled as lazy or careless, when in reality their bodies are fighting to perform their duties. This misunderstanding can impact their self-esteem, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.

Based on my academic training in food science and technology, I strongly believe that we should take our eating habits seriously. What we are experiencing today is an increasing reliance on fast food and processed foods, particularly in children. These foods fail to provide a balanced diet and do not meet the nutritional requirements of a developing body. Parents, especially mothers, play a vital role in shaping a child’s dietary habits. She can instruct her child on what is healthy, what to eat frequently and what to avoid. Her awareness and participation can play a great role in the prevention of anaemia and other nutrition-related problems.

The solution to anaemia needs to be addressed at various levels. Families are important in making sure that children are fed with balanced and nutritious meals. Even minor modifications, like adding iron-rich foods to daily meals and combining them with vitamin C-rich foods to enhance absorption, can make a big difference. Home-cooked meals and less dependence on processed foods are some of the steps that can be taken towards improved nutrition.

Mother’s health must be prioritised. Proper nutrition before, during and after pregnancy helps build a strong foundation for a child’s health. Healthy mothers are more likely to raise healthy children.

Government programmes to alleviate anaemia are significant in terms of supplementation, food fortification, deworming, and nutrition education. These programs are worthwhile, and their effectiveness lies in their implementation and involvement of the community. Families can make informed decisions about their children by having regular health check-ups, supplementing them on time, and being guided accordingly.

Anaemia is often described as a silent problem because its symptoms develop slowly and are easily overlooked. However, its consequences are deep and long-lasting. If left Unaddressed, anaemia may restrict the potential of a child and influence the future resilience of the entire society. Healthy children become healthy adults who can make a positive contribution to their families and communities.

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