Anemia Mukt Bharat gets new framework, digital tracking system: Health Ministry

The information was shared in a written reply to questions raised by MPs, including Shri Brij Lal, Dr. Parmar Jashvantsinh Salamsinh, Smt. Maya Naroliya, Shri Mayankkumar Nayak, Shri Kanad Purkayastha and Surendra Singh Nagar. They sought details regarding the salient features of the revised Operational Guidelines. They inquired regarding the details of the new 7×7×7 framework, introduced under the revised Operational Guidelines.

They further inquired about the details of the T4 strategy adopted under the scheme for strengthening screening, treatment and follow-up of beneficiaries; and the details of the unified Anemia Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan Portal and the manner in which it is proposed to strengthen digital tracking and monitoring of anemia services?

The minister explained that the T4 approach includes Testing for anemia, Treatment for anemia, Talk for awareness and compliance through Jan Bhagidari, and Tracking the beneficiaries for treatment, referral, and follow-up. The digital framework has been introduced under Anemia Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan to record and strengthen digital tracking and monitoring of anemia services. The beneficiaries are tested for anemia across platforms: pregnant and lactating mothers registered in the JANANI Portal, school-going children registered in the RBSK portal, and children for vaccination registered in the U-WIN portal. The categorization of anemia into mild, moderate and severe anemia and appropriate management of anemia as per protocols is envisioned under Anemia Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.

Responding to the questions, the minister stated that 7X7X7 strategy includes saturation of Hb testing using Digital Invasive Hemoglobinometers at platforms based on beneficiary group, Prophylaxis and targeted therapeutic management as per category of anemia diagnosed, Segregation of nutritional anemia and non-nutritional anemia for appropriate case-base management, Robust digital system for tracking anemia services: Shift from T3 approach (Test, Treat, Talk) toward T4 approach (Test, Treat, Talk and Track), Dietary diversification with Eat Right Approach and promotion of locally available iron rich foods on everyday basis, Implementation of convergent approach-‘whole of Government Approach’ for implementation of complementary interventions, inter-ministerial convergenc and ‘Jan Bhagidari- Communication strategy for transformation of mindset from passive acceptance of anemia to active ownership (for Test, Treat, Talk and Track).

The 7x7x7 framework of the Anemia Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan is a comprehensive strategy designed to combat anemia through a multi-pronged approach. It targets seven beneficiary groups, namely children aged 6-59 months, children aged 5-9 years, adolescents aged 10-19 years, pregnant women, lactating mothers, women of reproductive age (20-49 years), and low birth weight babies aged 0-6 months.

To address anemia among these groups, it implements seven key interventions, which include prophylactic IFA supplementation, testing for anemia, therapeutic management of anemia, deworming and delayed cord clamping, Jan Bhagidari (a communication strategy to counter the normalized perception of anemia and improve compliance with IFA), addressing non-nutritional causes of anemia, and promotion of healthy eating through locally available iron-rich foods and diet diversification, the minister added.

These interventions are supported by seven institutional mechanisms for effective implementation: intra-ministerial coordination, a National Centre of Excellence and Advanced Research on Anemia, a National AMB Abhiyaan Unit, strengthening of the supply chain and logistics, convergence with other ministries, the Anemia Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan Portal, and a digital framework for monitoring through the T4 approach.