52

Question 52

Consider the following statements in the context of interventions being undertaken under Anaemia Mukt Bharat Strategy:
1. It provides prophylactic calcium supplementation for pre-school children, adolescents and pregnant women.
2. It runs a campaign for delayed cord clamping at the time of child-birth.
3. It provides for periodic deworming to children and adolescents.
4. It addresses non-nutritional causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.
How many of the statements given above are correct?

AOptions

A
A) Only one
B
B) Only two
C
C) Only three
D
D) All four

BSolution

Let's evaluate the statements in the context of interventions under the Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) Strategy:

1. It provides prophylactic calcium supplementation for pre-school children, adolescents and pregnant women. This statement is incorrect. The Anaemia Mukt Bharat strategy primarily focuses on iron-folic acid (IFA) supplementation for these target groups to combat anaemia, not calcium supplementation.

2. It runs a campaign for delayed cord clamping at the time of child-birth. This statement is correct. Delayed cord clamping (DCC) is indeed a key intervention under AMB, as it helps in transferring more iron-rich blood from the placenta to the baby, thereby improving the newborn's iron stores and reducing the risk of anaemia.

3. It provides for periodic deworming to children and adolescents. This statement is correct. Deworming is a crucial component of AMB. Intestinal worm infestations contribute significantly to anaemia by causing blood loss, so periodic deworming is recommended, especially for children and adolescents.

4. It addresses non-nutritional causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis. This statement is correct. AMB adopts a comprehensive approach, recognizing that anaemia is not solely due to nutritional deficiencies. It includes measures to address other contributing factors like malaria control, screening and management of hemoglobinopathies (e.g., thalassemia, sickle cell anaemia), and addressing fluorosis, particularly in areas where these are endemic.

Based on the analysis, statements 2, 3, and 4 are correct. Therefore, only three statements are correct.

Diagram for Q52

CStrategy

When analyzing questions about government strategies or programs, it's essential to understand their multi-faceted approach. Schemes often have various interventions addressing different aspects of a problem. Look for specific components and check their accuracy. Differentiating between primary focus and related or indirect measures is key. Be cautious of statements that introduce elements not directly related to the program's core mandate.

DSyllabus Analysis

This question pertains to 'Social Development - Health' in the UPSC Prelims syllabus, specifically focusing on public health programs and strategies addressing prevalent health issues in India.

EQuestion Analysis

Medium to Difficult. Requires detailed knowledge of the specific interventions under the Anaemia Mukt Bharat Strategy.