Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Government of India
Anemia Mukt Bharat
Rapid Reference Tool for
SCHOOL TEACHERS AND
MOBILE HEALTH TEAM (RBSK)
Anemia
Anaemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells
(RBCs), and consequently their oxygen-carrying capacity, is
insufficient to meet the body’s physiological requirements,
it varies by age, sex, altitude, a smoking habits and during
pregnancy.
Manifestations of Anemia
• Fatigue, weakness, dizziness and drowsiness
• Impaired cognitive development and increased morbidity of children
• Limit development and learning ability
• Vulnerability to infections
• Reduces physical fitness and work productivity
• Reducing concentration in daily task
• Increases school dropout rates
Causes of Anemia
• Iron deficiency(Commonest) > 50%
• Deficiencies in vitamin B -12, folate cause anemia
• Worm infestation
• Non nutritional causes – malaria, helminth infections, tuberculosis and
haemoglobinopathies.
Hemoglobin levels to diagnose Anemia (g/dl)
Anaemia level (g/dl)
Population
Mild Moderate Severe
Children 6-59 months of age 10-10.9 7-9.9 <7
Children 5-11 years of age 11-11.4 8-10.9 <8
Children 12-19 years of age 11-11.9 8-10.9 <8
Non- pregnant women (15 years and above) 11-11.9 8-10.9 <8
Pregnant women 10-10.9 7-9.9 <7
Men (15 years and above) 11.0-12.9 8.0-10.9 <8
Source: World Health Organization (WHO)-Nutritional Anemia: Tools for Effective Prevention and Control, 2017.
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Anemia Mukt Bharat
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MANAGEMENT OF ANEMIA BY RBSK TEAM AND SCHOOL TEACHERS
AMONG CHIDLREN AND ADOLESCENTS
Screening by RBSK Team
For children 6-59 months
• At Angadwadi center- annually
For children 5-9 years
• Once a year, RBSK teams will screen in school and out of school children for anemia.
• All children with clinical signs and symptoms of anemia will be referred to SC/
Ayushman Arogya Mandir for Haemoglobin estimation and further management.
For adolescent 10-19 years
• Annually in- School adolescents will be screened by the RBSK team using digital
invasive hemoglobinometers.
Follow up
• Children found to be anaemic should be provided nutritional counselling by RBSK
teams and referred to nearby health facilities for further management.
• Line list of identified anemic children and adolescents are to be prepared by RBSK
teams and shared with Nodal teacher/class teacher.
• School should inform parents as well as the nearby Sub Centre/ Ayushman Arogya
Mandir / health facility for treatment, follow up and dietary counseling.
• Class teacher/ Nodal teacher at school to orient parents during Parent Teacher
Meeting (PTM) for compliance of treatment for anemic children with therapeutic
dosage.
Treatment
• Management of severe anemia in children is to be done by the medical officer at the
First Referral Unit/District Hospital based on investigation.
Deworming
• Children 6-59 months - Biannual dose of 1/2 tablet of 400 mg albendazole to children
12–24 months and 1 tablet of 400mg albendazole to children 24–59 months.
• Children 5-9 years - Biannual dose of 1 tablet of 400 mg albendazole.
• Adoloscent 10-19 years- Biannual dose of 1 tablet of 400 mg albendazole.
Nutrition Division
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,Government of India
