Mangaluru: A health screening conducted as a part of Anaemia Muktha Pousthika Karnataka found that over 8,021 children in Dakshina Kannada are suffering from anaemia, with 268 severely affected. Govt school children showed higher rates of anaemia than those in private schools.
According to data available with TOI, children from the anganwadi up to PU level were screened for anaemia under the AMPK programme. Among all the taluks, Mangaluru taluk has the highest number of anaemic children, with 4,596 cases, including those with severe anaemia who required treatment with blood sucrose and blood transfusion. The taluk also had the highest number of severe anaemic children, totalling 207, followed by Bantwal and Sullia taluks. Sullia had around 42 children with severe anaemia.
Venkatesha Subraya Patagara, deputy director of public instruction (DDPI) of Dakshina Kannada, told TOI that schools have been cooperating with the health department to conduct health checks to determine whether children have anaemia. Meanwhile, teachers have been given awareness about anaemic children and how to handle them in case of severe anaemia.
District health officer Thimmaiah HR explained that anaemia is categorised into three levels: mild, moderate, and severe. Out of the targeted 38,476 children in Dakshina Kannada, 21,686 were screened so far. Students identified as anaemic from grade six and above are given blue tablets, while those below grade six receive pink tablets.
Highest among govt school children
The health department's current data reveals that the campaign to screen anaemia among children from primary to pre-university levels has shown a higher prevalence among govt and aided school children, compared to unaided school children. There are 4,429 students from govt schools who have been identified as anaemic. Prior to this campaign, no efforts were made to identify anaemia deficiency in children, and iron tablets were only given to pregnant women during anaemia.
Paediatricians warn that anaemia in children can have negative impacts on their academic performance and productivity. Long-term anaemia can lead to developmental delays, academic issues, and other health concerns.