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Evaluation of national nutritional anemia prophylaxis programme
K Vijayaraghavan1, G N Brahmam, K M Nair
1National Institute of Nutrition, Indian Council of Medical Research, Jamai-Osmania, Hyderabad, A.P.
Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|March 1, 1990
Summary
The National Nutritional Anemia Prophylaxis Program in Andhra Pradesh showed poor tablet coverage due to supply issues and inadequate health worker training. Tablet quality was also a concern, with low iron and no folic acid content found in many samples.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
- Health Program Evaluation
Background:
- Anemia is a significant public health concern, particularly among pregnant women and children.
- The National Nutritional Anemia Prophylaxis Program (NNAPP) aims to prevent and treat anemia through iron and folic acid supplementation.
- Effective program implementation is crucial for achieving desired health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness and coverage of the NNAPP in Andhra Pradesh.
- To identify barriers to program implementation and assess the quality of supplied tablets.
- To provide recommendations for improving anemia prophylaxis in the region.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving interviews with approximately 8,000 respondents from 5,754 households.
- Hemoglobin estimation for 487 pregnant women in six selected districts.
- Chemical analysis of iron and folic acid tablet samples.
Main Results:
- Only 19% of pregnant women and 1% of child beneficiaries received folifer tablets.
- Community acceptance was satisfactory, but coverage was limited by inadequate and irregular supplies.
- Health functionaries lacked proper orientation and awareness of beneficiaries.
- Chemical analysis revealed suboptimal iron content in 30% of tablets and deficient folic acid content in all samples.
Conclusions:
- The NNAPP in Andhra Pradesh faces significant challenges in coverage and tablet quality.
- Inadequate supply chains and insufficient training of health workers are major barriers.
- Urgent improvements in program management, supply logistics, and quality control are necessary to combat anemia effectively.