Anaemia Screening and Eradication Program (ASEP)
Anaemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells (and consequently their oxygen-carrying capacity) is insufficient to meet the body’s physiologic needs. Iron deficiency is the most common form of malnutrition with a worldwide prevalence initially believed to be affecting more than two billion people around the world throughout their life cycles. The greatest burden of anaemia is born by Asia and Africa where it is estimated that 60% and 52% of pregnant women, respectively, are anaemic and between 1% and 5% are severely anaemic (hemoglobin <7 g/dl) and is associated with women of age less than 20years, third trimester of pregnancy, rural residents, and multiparous women
In short, the current situation can be summed up approximately as
Anaemia Screening and Eradication Program (ASEP) is working towards accelerating the national processes for preventing iron deficiency, with the goal of substantially reducing the problem during the forthcoming decade. It is a Comprehensive Health &Hygiene Intervention Program comprising Anaemia screening& fortification and Awareness Programme on Hygiene, Sanitation & Health IEC for children & young adults.