According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 50% of all instances of anemia are thought to be caused by iron deficiency. Over 2,000 people will receive free screenings during the 90-day Bus Yatra.
The ‘Na Na Anemia Bus Yatra 2.0’ has been launched by P&G Health in collaboration with FOGSI (The Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India) following the successful conclusion of the ‘Na Na Anemia Bus Yatra’ project in the northern cities of India last year. Na Na Anemia Bus Yatra 2.0 will continue to spread awareness about Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA), with a goal to expand the project throughout southern India. The convoy was flagged off in Visakhapatnam by Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, President of FOGSI, and Milind Thatte, Managing Director of Procter & Gamble Health Limited. It will pass through 21 cities in the five states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala before arriving in Bangalore.
“We are thrilled to launch ‘Na Na Anemia Bus Yatra 2.0’ this year and aim to provide free screening to over 2000 individuals along with Blood Pressure monitoring and an examination by a gynecologist or physician,” said Milind Thatte, Managing Director of Procter & Gamble Health Limited. P&G Health has made a commitment to educating the public about iron deficiency in India. Because of the large number of people who attended the Na Na Anemia Bus Yatra in northern cities last year, we were inspired to expand this awareness campaign to India’s southern regions as well. This will enable people to recognize the early signs of IDA and take action to treat them.
Children and women who are pregnant or menstruating are most at risk for iron deficiency, although it affects people of all ages. According to data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 52% of pregnant women and 57% of non-pregnant women in India are anemic, respectively. The signs of iron deficiency, which include fatigue, wooziness, pallor, and hair loss, affect one in three women. But because these symptoms are frequently disregarded, it is vital that they be recognized as soon as possible and a fast diagnosis sought.
With the success of the Na Na Anemia Bus Yatra, Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, President of the FOGSI, continued, “We are happy to continue our relationship with P&G Health in the southern cities and continue helping towards raising awareness about Iron Deficiency Anemia and its associated complications. India has one of the highest recorded rates of anemia and iron deficiency, both of which are endemic dietary deficits. We anticipate that the Bus Yatra will play a significant role in spreading awareness locally and among the general public.
P&G Health is making a continuous effort to engage with patients, consumers, and healthcare professionals (HCPs) in order to inform and raise awareness about iron deficiency anemia. With the help of renowned experts, P&G Health co-authored an Expert Consensus Publication last year that highlighted the effects of iron deficiency on the health of perimenopausal women in India. P&G Health also contributes to scientific learning and knowledge forums for medical professionals, such as case-based talks, diagnostic workshops, and continuing medical education.
