India lacks anaemia data as NFHS-6 omitted measurements and SAMPADA results remain unpublished
Summary
- The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) did not collect anaemia data.
- Anaemia prevalence was instead measured in the SAMPADA (Survey on Anaemia Management and Prevalence among Adolescents and Adults) survey.
- SAMPADA data have not yet been released, creating a data vacuum for tracking anaemia levels.
- Anaemia continues to be a major public health concern, especially among women and children.
- Absence of timely data hampers effective implementation and monitoring of programmes such as POSHAN Abhiyaan.
Key Facts
- · NFHS-6 excluded anaemia measurements.
- · SAMPADA was designed to capture anaemia prevalence across age groups.
- · SAMPADA findings are still pending public release.
- · India has one of the highest global burdens of anaemia.
- · Data gaps affect policy formulation and resource allocation for nutrition schemes.
Why it matters
Accurate, up‑to‑date anaemia statistics are essential for designing, targeting, and evaluating nutrition and health interventions; without them, programmes like POSHAN Abhiyaan cannot be monitored effectively, risking continued high prevalence and associated health costs.
#anaemia#NFHS-6#SAMPADA#public health#data gap#POSHAN Abhiyaan