Telangana has one of the highest percentages of anemic children aged six months to 5 years, at 70%.

According to a report tabled in Parliament by the Centre in response to a question about the effectiveness of the Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) program, the number of anemic children in the state has increased from 60.7% in the National Family Health Survey-4 (NFHS-4) to 70% in the NFHS-5, which was released two years ago. Gujarat (79.7%), Punjab (71%), and Rajasthan (71%) are the other states having a high proportion of anemic youngsters.

Even though the Centre established Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) to minimize anaemia among women, children, and adolescents using a life cycle approach, still there have rise in anemia in all of these categories.

A report filed in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister of State for Health Bharati Pravin Pawar stated that Telangana has a high rate of anemia in women of all ages, with 57.6% of women aged 15 to 49 suffering. It is 64.7% among girls aged 15-19 and 53.2% of pregnant women. 

Experts stated that a mothers health during delivery has a spiraling effect. They said that anemia is carried on through adolescence, and anemic teenage girls become anemic women, who give birth to anemic offspring.

Dr. Kiran Madala, a researcher and health expert, said that the mothers nutritional quality, exclusive breastfeeding, and pediatric infectious disorders all have a significant effect. Lack of healthy diversity, excessive intake of tea/coffee, and increased consumption of junk food all lead to anemia in women.

The report emphasizes that deworming, food fortification, and folic acid supplementation can reduce anemia among women and help reduce anemia in children.

(Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/70-kids-below-5-years-anaemic-in-t-govt-data/articleshow/99330071.cms)