Health Department Launches Door-To-Door Anaemia Initiative in Ramban

The Health Department has launched a significant initiative in Ramban district, located in Jammu and Kashmir, to combat anaemia through a door-to-door awareness and training programme. This effort, part of the ongoing Anaemia Mukt Bharat campaign, aims to educate community health workers about effective strategies for preventing and managing anaemia among women and children.

Strengthening Community Health Efforts

On January 1, 2024, trained medical professionals, including doctors and ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activists) workers, gathered to discuss the identification and management of anaemia. The session focused on the essential role ASHA workers play in grassroots outreach, emphasizing their responsibility to regularly visit their assigned areas. These visits are crucial for spreading awareness, identifying anaemia cases early, and following up with affected families.

Dr. Reyaz, a key figure in the local health initiative, highlighted the continuous efforts being made under the Anaemia Mukt Bharat campaign. He noted that the programme is designed to identify gaps in health services and improve community engagement. “We held an open discussion during the event, and our work will now begin at the grassroots level,” he stated.

ASHA workers will play a vital role in administering Iron Folic Acid syrup to children aged six months to five years, with a prescribed dose of one millilitre per week. Monitoring will ensure that the intake is properly recorded, and mothers will be educated on administering the syrup themselves. For older children, different formulations will be provided: pink tablets for those aged five to nine years and blue tablets for those aged ten to nineteen.

Training and Community Engagement

Dr. Ankula, another participant in the training session, emphasized the comprehensive briefing provided to ASHA workers regarding the Anaemia Mukt Bharat programme. She explained that the training included strategies for conducting door-to-door visits and ensuring the proper distribution of medicines. The initiative reflects the Health Department’s commitment to addressing anaemia through sustained community-level interventions, awareness, and early detection.

The campaign’s success hinges on the collaborative efforts of health professionals and community workers. By strengthening the capabilities of ASHA workers, the Health Department aims to make significant progress in reducing anaemia prevalence in Ramban district. This initiative highlights the critical role of local health initiatives in promoting public health and ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the necessary support and resources.