Implica

India launches revised anaemia guidelines to include low birth weight babies

Health Ministry to launch revised Anaemia Mukt Bharat guidelinesGovernment widens fight on anaemia, adds low birth weight babiesIndia broadens its fight against anaemia

The Union Health Ministry launched revised operational guidelines for the Anaemia Mukt Bharat program on Monday, June 29, 2026, in New Delhi, expanding the national strategy to include low birth weight babies up to six months of age.

This overhaul shifts focus from iron supplementation to dietary interventions and digital tracking, addressing a major public health challenge in India. The expanded program aims to reduce long-term health risks for vulnerable infants and improve overall maternal and child health outcomes nationwide.

  • Anaemia affects approximately 30% of India's population, making it one of the country's most widespread public health issues.
  • The Anaemia Mukt Bharat program was first launched in 2018 as a key component of India's National Nutrition Mission.
  • Low birth weight is a significant indicator of infant mortality risk, with babies under 2.5 kg facing higher chances of developmental complications.