Assam: Trial on to test efficacy of Amla-gur candy to reduce Anemia in Hailakandi district

Hailakandi

To test the efficacy of amla-gur candy on the reduction of anemia among the identified adolescent girls, an experimental trial has begun from Wednesday.

33 students of Kalibari High School, Gharmura have been identified as anaemic and out of that 14 have been selected for taking amla-gur candy and the rest iron folic acid tablet.

District Coordinator, Social Welfare Department, Rajat Chakraborty said through the experimental trial the efficacy of amla-gur as well as that of iron folic acid tablet will be tested. “After the experimental trial we will get the result as to which one is better – amla-gur or iron folic acid tablet – for reduction of anaemia,” said Chakraborty, adding that the test will be carried out for a month.

The amla-gur candies have been prepared by supervisors and workers of South Hailakandi ICDS Block and have been handed over to Anganwadi and ASHA workers at a programme held at Monipur recently.

Officials of the district administration, Social Welfare and Health departments impressed upon the guardians of the anaemic girls to take to the test and they consented to it.

It may be recalled that during Poshan Maah, or nutrition month, in September last year, the district administration launched a vigorous drive to reduce anemia and produced roundish amla-gur candies with a dose of salt with the help of Anganwadi workers, supervisors and mothers. The ladoos were distributed during Maa-Beti Melas and other programmes held across the district.

Nutritionists involved in the campaign said amla, or gooseberry, is rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, while gur, or jaggery, is rich in iron, vital vitamins and minerals that boost the immune system.

According to the 2015 National Family Health Survey, 47.2% of the women of reproductive age in Hailakandi were anaemic. The district, thus, has the most anaemic children below 5 years, adolescents and women of reproductive age in Assam.