The Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) Programme was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), as a strategic approach to reduce prevalence of anaemia in women and children by intensifying strong initiatives, strengthen the existing mechanisms and foster newer strategies for managing anaemia.

The data from National Family Health Survey (NFHS) 5 (2019-20) for Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has indicated that close to every third child is anaemic (72.7%). Similarly, anaemia is high in adolescents (53.5% boys, 76.2% girls) and Women in Reproductive age (67.3%). Whereas there is high prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women (44.1%) and among men aged 15-49 years is also high (36.7%).

One of the key strategies under the newly redesigned AMB is to Test-Treat-Talk (T3) for generating demand and mobilising target beneficiaries on anaemia. The T3 strategy includes: Test - with the help of digital haemoglobin-meter; Treat - with Iron Folic Acid (IFA) Tablets and referral; and Talk - counselling beneficiaries on healthy lifestyle measures, increase iron levels in the body and taking healthy diet rich in iron, protein and vitamin C.

In an effort to combat anaemia, National Health Mission (NHM), J&K launched Test-Treat-Talk (T3) anaemia special camps with a focus on social and mass mobilization and screening for anaemia through RBSK Mobile Health Teams and Health & Wellness Centres. The camps were launched by Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor during the J&K Health Conclave organized by NHM, J&K in Srinagar on 5^th July, 2023.

To capture data in real time, National Health Mission with technical support of Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI) has developed a mobile application (ODK APP) and dashboard for analysing district wise prevalence of anaemia in different age groups in women and children in order to formulate strategies for successful implementation of Anaemia Mukt Bharat Programme in J&K. Orientation for Rashtriya Bal Suraksha Karyekaram (RBSK) Mobile Health Teams on use of ODK APP was also supported by NIPI. The application will support tracking of severely anaemic children as well for better management and referrals as required under AMB strategy.