Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Dec 24: Doctors in Kashmir have identified intestinal worm infections and inadequate intake of iron-rich and balanced diets as the primary contributors to the high prevalence of anaemia among children.
Medical professionals said that helminthic infections—parasitic worm infestations affecting the intestines—remain widespread among children, particularly when combined with malnutrition.
They emphasized that regular deworming, along with proper nutrition and hygiene, is essential to curb anaemia and its long-term health consequences.
Dr Nazir Ahmad posted in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district said that helminthic infections are one of the leading yet overlooked causes behind the growing burden of anaemia in children.
“Intestinal worm infestation, especially when associated with poor nutrition, is frequently observed in children suffering from anaemia. These parasites affect the body in multiple ways—they reduce iron absorption, consume essential nutrients, cause chronic blood loss, and trigger inflammation, all of which significantly contribute to anaemia,” he said.
He explained that helminths compromise a child’s nutritional status, making it difficult for the body to maintain adequate haemoglobin levels even if food intake improves later.
Dr Shagufta a gynaecologist said that helminthic infections result from parasitic worms that live inside the human body and compete for nutrients, damage the intestinal lining, and in some cases cause blood loss.
“These infections can lead to nutrient depletion, impaired absorption of iron, inflammatory responses and general weakness. Over time, they push children into a cycle of malnutrition and anaemia,” she said.
Dr Shugufta also dispelled a common misconception regarding deworming. “Many parents believe deworming medicines should not be given during winter, which is incorrect. Deworming can and should be done in any season at regular intervals. Unfortunately, many children miss scheduled doses, increasing their risk of anaemia,” she added.
Doctors said diet plays an equally critical role, noting that insufficient intake of iron-rich foods remains a major driver of childhood anaemia. They stressed the importance of foods rich in iron, vitamin B12 and folate, along with dietary diversity, safe feeding practices, proper hygiene, and timely introduction of complementary foods after breastfeeding.
“Children with worm infestations often feel constantly tired, weak and lethargic due to anaemia and poor nutrition. If left untreated, this can result in impaired physical growth and delayed cognitive development,” doctors said.
However, they reassured parents that worm infections are easy to control and do not warrant panic. “Parents must remain vigilant, monitor their children’s growth, appetite, school performance and overall behaviour, and seek timely medical advice,” they said.
Medical experts warned that untreated worm infestations can severely affect a child’s health, leading to poor nutritional status, reduced immunity, learning difficulties and lower concentration levels.
“The treatment is simple, safe, effective and available free of cost through government health programmes. Even a single dose of deworming medication can drastically reduce the worm load in a child,” doctors said.
They further explained that worm infections can cause a range of health issues including anaemia, abdominal swelling, severe stomach pain, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, malnutrition and, in severe cases, tissue damage requiring surgical intervention.
Highlighting the broader benefits, doctors said deworming improves immunity, protects children from chronic illnesses, enhances concentration and school attendance, boosts nutrient absorption, controls anaemia and gastrointestinal problems, and contributes to better productivity and livelihood outcomes in the long run. “Regular deworming also helps reduce transmission within the community,” they added.
Meanwhile, data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) paints a grim picture.
According to the survey, nearly three-fourths (73 percent) of children aged 6–59 months in India are anaemic. This includes 25 percent mildly anaemic, 44 percent moderately anaemic, and 4 percent severely anaemic children.
The survey shows a sharp rise in childhood anaemia, increasing from 43 percent in NFHS-4 to 73 percent in NFHS-5. The prevalence remains almost equal among girls (71 percent) and boys (71 percent).
NFHS-5 data further indicates that children born to anaemic mothers are significantly more likely to suffer from anaemia themselves. While levels vary across social and economic groups, anaemia remains widespread across all sections of society.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the situation is equally concerning. NFHS-5 reveals that nearly 74 percent of children are anaemic, even among those whose mothers have attained 12 or more years of schooling—highlighting that education alone is not sufficient without proper nutrition and healthcare access.
Doctors urged coordinated efforts involving parents, health workers and policymakers to tackle the issue through awareness, regular deworming drives, nutritional supplementation and improved child healthcare services. (KNO)
