Islamabad: A shocking 72.7% of children under the age of five in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir are reportedly suffering from anaemia, placing the region among the worst-affected areas in India and highlighting a severe public health crisis that demands urgent attention.
The ‘Children in India 2025’ report by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation reveals that anaemia affects 73.9% of boys and 71.4% of girls in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, with rural areas experiencing a higher prevalence of 73.5% compared to 70.1% in urban regions.
Doctors say this alarming trend is largely due to nutritional deficiencies, inadequate diets, and poor feeding practices after six months of age.
‘Iron Deficiency Anaemia is the main form contributing to a significant number of cases among toddlers and young children,’ explained Dr. Shabeena Shah, a child specialist, adding that the scarcity of iron-rich foods combined with a staple grain-based diet further worsens the problem.
Experts emphasize that anaemia poses serious risks to the growth, immunity, and development of the region’s youngest population, leading to fatigue, weakened immunity, delayed growth, and impaired brain development.
The lack of effective monitoring, coupled with inadequate awareness and resources, has contributed to the worsening crisis.
The authorities’ apathy towards this issue has left thousands of children vulnerable to the devastating effects of anaemia, demanding immediate attention and action.