Abstract :
Introduction: The anemia management program for adolescent girls (15–19 years) was part of Eastern Uttar
Pradesh Health Initiative implemented by Tata Trusts in 9 districts and 19 blocks in partnership with block level
community-based organizations. Objective of the Health Initiative was to build community-based platform (In the
form of Village Health and Nutrition Day – VHND) to provide primary healthcare services for basic maternal, child
and adolescent health. The anemia management component in the program was based on the National Iron Plus
Initiative guideline.
Objectives: To ascertain prevalence of anemia in adolescent girls registered in the program; to demonstrate a
community-based model for anemia management with the help of adolescent collectivization facilitated by
trained front line health workers.
Materials and Methods: Total 26,982 girls were screened in first phase of the program from April 2014; followed
by second and third screenings with average duration of 3–6 months between each screening. Total 18,428 girls
participated in second screening and total 13,979 girls were part of all three screenings till September 2015. WHO
recommended Hemoglobin (Hb) Color Scale Method was used as a screening tool, implemented by auxiliary nurse
midwives and lab technicians. Girls’ collectivization was facilitated by the trained frontline health workers to
spread awareness, mobilize girls for screening and conduct health education sessions. Data is from the project
MIS and was analyzed with the help of Microsoft Excel and SPSS.
Keyword :
Anemia management, Adolescent girls, Uttar Pradesh