Anaemia continues to cast a long shadow over South Asia, affecting nearly 50% of adolescent girls and women. This pervasive health issue, driven by poor nutrition, infections, and systemic inequalities, threatens the well-being of millions. Without urgent action, experts predict an additional 18 million anaemic girls and women by 2030, compounding the existing burden of 259 million cases. However, hope is on the horizon as South Asian nations unite to tackle this crisis head-on.
A Historic Regional Response
For the first time, seven South Asian countries are joining forces to combat anaemia. From July 9-11, 2025, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), alongside the Government of Sri Lanka, UNICEF, WHO, and other partners, will host the Nourishing South Asia | Reducing Anaemia in Adolescent Girls and Women conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This landmark event will convene over 100 policymakers, researchers, and health experts to develop a unified regional framework and actionable country-specific plans.
A key outcome of the conference will be the launch of the South Asia Anaemia Academic Alliance, a collaborative initiative to bridge research gaps and drive evidence-based solutions. By fostering scientific leadership, this alliance aims to deliver sustainable, long-term strategies to reduce anaemia across the region.
“Anaemia remains a public health concern in Sri Lanka, affecting 18.5% of women of reproductive age and 14.6% of children under five. We are stepping up our nutrition programs, particularly in high-risk districts, and are committed to nationwide expansion through multi-sectoral collaboration,” said Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Honourable Prime Minister of Sri Lanka.
Understanding Anaemia: More Than Just a Health Issue
Anaemia, characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells to transport oxygen, leaves individuals fatigued, weak, and vulnerable to illness. For women and girls, the condition has far-reaching consequences:
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Education and Productivity: Fatigue from anaemia can hinder school attendance and academic performance, limiting opportunities for girls.
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Maternal and Child Health: Anaemia during pregnancy increases risks for both mother and baby, contributing to South Asia’s 40% share of global low birth weight cases.
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Economic Impact: The region loses $32.5 billion annually due to reduced productivity and healthcare costs, but every $1 invested in maternal anaemia interventions yields a $9.50 economic return.
Beyond health, anaemia reflects deeper societal challenges—poverty, malnutrition, and gender inequality. The poorest communities, particularly women and children, bear the brunt of this crisis, perpetuating cycles of poor health and lost potential.
Progress and Challenges in South Asia
While the overall prevalence of anaemia has stagnated for two decades, some countries are making strides:
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Pakistan: Between 2011 and 2018, anaemia among adolescent girls and mothers dropped from 53% to 39%, thanks to initiatives like the Maternal Nutrition Strategy, Adolescent Nutrition Strategy, and expanded social protection programs under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). Scaling up multiple micronutrient supplementation for pregnant and breastfeeding women is also improving birth outcomes.
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Nepal: By prioritizing equity and investing in frontline health workers, Nepal reduced anaemia prevalence among women of reproductive age from 41% in 2016 to 34% in 2022. Projections estimate a further decline to 27% by 2030, with the most significant gains in marginalized communities.
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India and Bangladesh: Localized programs leveraging empowered health workers and data-driven interventions are showing promise. Bangladesh is integrating adolescent nutrition with schools and social services for broader impact.
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Sri Lanka: With a prevalence rate of 17% among women under 25, Sri Lanka is emerging as a regional leader in anaemia reduction.
Despite these successes, challenges persist. Inadequate healthcare infrastructure, difficulties reaching remote communities, and limited program scope hinder progress. Additionally, gaps in comprehensive data collection make it harder to design effective interventions.
A Multi-Sectoral Path Forward
Tackling anaemia requires more than medical solutions—it demands teamwork across governments, communities, schools, and families. Key strategies include:
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Strengthening Health Systems: Robust infrastructure and trained health workers are critical to delivering services to marginalized populations.
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Innovative Data Use: Comprehensive data collection can inform targeted interventions and track progress.
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Multi-Sectoral Collaboration: Integrating health, nutrition, and social protection programs ensures holistic solutions.
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Community Empowerment: Engaging local leaders and families fosters sustainable change.
“This is a clarion call for action. When half of all adolescent girls and women in South Asia are anaemic, it’s a signal that systems are failing them. Now is the time for governments to scale up solutions,” said Sanjay Wijesekera, Regional Director of UNICEF South Asia.
A Vision for a Healthier Future
Anaemia is preventable and treatable, with known causes like iron deficiency, poor nutrition, and infections. As Saima Wazed, Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia, emphasized, “Tackling anaemia is not just about health; it’s an economic and social investment in the well-being of women and girls.”
By uniting for collective action, South Asia is poised to turn the tide against anaemia. The Nourishing South Asia conference marks a pivotal moment to amplify progress, empower communities, and build a healthier, more equitable future for millions of girls and women.
