Nagaland: Orientation on Anemia Mukt Bharat held for Longleng ASHAs

Dimapur, July 6 (EMN): A two-day block level orientation for the ASHAs of all the three blocks of Longleng district was conducted on July 4 and 5 in the conference hall of chief medical officer (CMO), Longleng district.

The district programme manager (DPM) of NHM (National Health Mission), Viroli Sangtam, who chaired the orientation programme in his introductory note, highlighted on Anemia Mukt Bharat programme and informed that the programme, an initiative to eradicate anemia from the country, had been going on for quite some time, stated a press release from CMO’s office.

Sangtam said according to the National Family Health survey conducted in 2017, the percentage of Anemia in Longleng district was 14% and in the latest survey conducted in 2021, the percentage had increased to 40% which, he said, was not a good sign.

He encouraged all to work together, especially at the grassroots where people are more prone to the illness.

CMO Longleng, Dr. Obangjungla, in her welcome address, congratulated the ASHAs for all the works that they had been doing and encouraged them to do more in the future. While thanking the ASHA workers for attending the training despite the problems of distance and transportation, the CMO said she understood their responsibility of being a mother and having to look after the household in addition to working for the community.

Stressing on time management as the key to fulfill all the responsibilities, she asked them to work not with the thought of just fulfilling their duty but with the mindset of accepting and loving each children as one’s own.

Dr. Obangjungla further said that for the district to successfully implement Anemia Mukt Bharat, it depends on the grassroots. She urged the ASHAs to make full use of the training and to ask questions if have any doubt so that they do not leave the training without learning anything. 

“If the grassroots is improved then only will the district move ahead towards a better district,” she said.

The district programme officer, (RCH & UIP), Dr. Meren, in his orientation, dwelled on what anemia is, its causes and how anemia can be prevented and the role of the ASHAs in creating awareness amongst the public.