Srinagar, Dec 27, KDC: The UT Task Force meeting for effective implementation of the Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) Programme was held today on Saturday at National Health Mission (NHM), J&K, under the chairmanship of Baseer Ul Haq Choudhary, Mission Director, NHM, J&K.
The meeting was attended by members of the UT Task Force constituted vide Government Order No. 1908-JK(GAD) of 2025, with participation in both physical and virtual modes.
The meeting reviewed the status of anaemia in Jammu & Kashmir and discussed a multi-sectoral strategy to address the high prevalence of anaemia among children, adolescents, women and pregnant mothers.
It was highlighted that as per NFHS-5, anaemia continues to remain a major public health concern in the UT, particularly among children and women of reproductive age. Mission Director emphasized the need for strong inter-departmental convergence and coordinated action to achieve the goals of Anaemia Mukt Bharat.
The Task Force deliberated on the roles of various departments including Health, ICDS, Education, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Institutions, and key focus areas included strengthening screening, treatment and IFA (Iron and Folic Acid) supplementation, improving coverage of nutrition and fortified food through ICDS and PDS, effective implementation of WIFS and deworming programmes in schools, enhancing awareness through IEC/BCC activities, and strengthening monitoring via digital platforms such as POSHAN Tracker and HIMS dashboard.
Emphasis was also laid on hundred percent hemoglobin testing of all target groups along with proper tracking, treatment referral, follow-up and updation of data on their respective portals. NIPI was asked to ensure age-specific prevalence of anaemic cases district-wise, and to update ODK as per the tracking, treatment and follow-up strategy.
Choudhary directed all departments to ensure regular coordination, timely reporting and strict monitoring at district and block levels, and underlined the importance of community participation and awareness for sustainable reduction in anaemia.
The meeting concluded with a resolve to intensify efforts in convergence mode to achieve national targets for reducing anaemia prevalence and improving health outcomes across Jammu & Kashmir. (KDC)
