Shocking: Over 72% of J&K Children Under 5 Are Anaemic — Doctors Say Poor Diets Are to Blame!

A recent health report has revealed a worrying truth about children in Jammu & Kashmir. More than 72 out of every 100 children under the age of five in Jammu & Kashmir are anaemic, meaning they have too few healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin in their blood. This is one of the highest rates of anaemia in the country, and doctors are calling it a serious public health concern.

What Is Anaemia?

Anaemia is a condition in which the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells or enough haemoglobin which is the part of the blood that carries oxygen from the lungs to every part of the body. Without enough haemoglobin, children can feel weak, tired, and unable to grow or learn properly. It also affects their immune system, making them more likely to get sick.

When children are anaemic:

·       They may feel very tired or listless.

·       They may catch infections more often.

·       They may grow slowly physically and mentally.

·       They may find it hard to concentrate or learn at school.

The Alarming Reality in J&K

According to recent statistics from the Children in India 2025 report by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, 72.7% of children under five in Jammu & Kashmir are anaemic. That means nearly three out of every four children in this age group are suffering from this serious health problem.

The problem does not seem to be limited to one part of the region. Both rural (73.5%) and urban areas (70.1%) show very high anaemia rates. Boys and girls are almost equally affected (73.9% boys, 71.4% girls).

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Why Are So Many Children Anaemic?

Doctors and health experts point to several reasons mostly related to poor nutrition and feeding practices:

1. Not Enough Iron in Diets

The most common cause of anaemia in young children is iron deficiency. Iron is a vital mineral that helps the body make haemoglobin. Young children grow fast and have high iron needs, but their diets often lack enough iron-rich foods.

Foods that are high in iron

·       Meat and fish

·       Eggs

·       Lentils, beans, and peas

·       Leafy green vegetables (like spinach)

·       Fortified cereals

In many households, diets are heavily based on grains and staple foods that do not provide enough iron, especially if children are not given a variety of foods that contain the nutrients they need.

2. Too Much Reliance on Poor Complementary Feeding

After six months of age, breast milk alone is no longer enough to meet a child’s total nutritional needs, especially iron. If the additional foods given to children (are mainly watery cereals or foods low in nutrients, anaemia risk goes up.

3. Maternal Anaemia

If a mother is anaemic during pregnancy, the baby is more likely to be born with low iron stores. These low iron levels can continue into infancy, making it easier for children to become anaemic early in life.

4. Other Contributing Health Issues

Infections and parasitic diseases can cause blood loss or make it harder for the body to absorb nutrients, adding to the risk of anaemia.

Types of Anaemia Common in Young Children

Not all anaemia is the same. Doctors say that children can suffer from different types of anaemia, depending on the cause.

·       Iron-deficiency anaemia is the most common type and happens when children do not get enough iron from food.

·       Vitamin deficiency anaemia occurs when the diet lacks vitamins like folate or vitamin B12.

·       Anaemia caused by infections or parasites happens when worms or repeated infections lead to blood loss or poor nutrient absorption.

In Jammu & Kashmir, doctors say iron-deficiency anaemia is the biggest concern, mainly because of poor diet and feeding habits.

Early Signs of Anaemia Parents Should Watch For

Anaemia often develops slowly, so parents may not notice it at first.

Some common signs in young children include:

·       Pale skin, lips, or nails

·       Tiredness or low energy even after rest

·       Poor appetite

·       Frequent illness or infections

·       Slow weight gain or delayed growth

Doctors stress that if these signs are noticed early, anaemia can be treated and reversed with proper nutrition and care.

Why Anaemia Is More Dangerous in Children Under 5

The first five years of life are extremely important for a child’s physical growth and brain development. During this time, the brain grows very fast and needs a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients.

When a child is anaemic, the brain may not get enough oxygen. Learning and memory development can be affected. Sometimes, physical growth can also slow down.

The Link Between Breastfeeding, Weaning, and Anaemia

Breastfeeding is very important for babies, especially in the first six months. However, after six months, babies need extra foods in addition to breast milk.

Many children become anaemic because solid foods are introduced too late and foods given after six months are low in iron.

Doctors recommend starting iron-rich complementary foods at the right time to prevent anaemia.

Early childhood is a critical time for growth and brain development, and ensuring good nutrition can change a child’s life.