Andhra Pradesh: Krishna district to be anemia-free by January

VIJAYAWADA: Krishna district, among the 13 districts in Andhra Pradesh, emerged as the most successful district in bringing down anemia rate among pregnant woman, lactating mothers and adolescent girls. It has achieved 99.9 per cent success. In all likelihood, it will be announced as ‘Anemia free district’ by January. In the last six months, there has been a decrease in anemia cases by 9.13 per cent in Krishna district, thereby moving a step close to becoming ‘Anemia free district’.  

West Godavari district, the second best in the State in anemia control, could only achieve a 2.08 percent decrease.“Our efforts have paid off. Now, the district is just one step short of becoming an anemia free district,” said District Collector B Lakshmikantham.Till July, nearly 80,000 women in the district were identified to be anemic with different levels of haemoglobin. Of them, 7,870 women were identified to be having haemoglobin between 8 and 10 per cent. 

All these women were administered iron sucrose injections to improve hemoglobin levels in the blood. These women were also provided nutritious meals with sufficient proteins.Their condition was monitored every month and accordingly, treatment and nutritional supplements were provided. Till date, the number of anemia cases has reduced drastically.  “In another 15 days, we are confident of achieving cent per cent decrease in anemia cases and make the district anemia free,” said Collector Lakshmikantham.As per official statistics, Krishna district also emerged as the topper in the reduction of stunting cases among children.