Making an Impact in the Fight against Anemia

Though I have lived in the United States for nearly 40 years, #India remains close to my heart. I believe in the future of my homeland and have no doubt that the next century will be the Indian Century. But I also believe that for India to realize its true potential, some of the issues inherent in the country’s medical infrastructure must be addressed. And I am proud of the work 德勤 is doing to lead the way on this.

In recent years, I have had the privilege of supporting #DeloitteIndia in their efforts to help local communities cope with core #healthcare challenges threatening the lives and livelihoods of the Indian people. This includes “Anemia Mukt Mahilayein” (“Anemia-Free Women”), a pilot program in Haryana, my home state. #Anemia is a major public health concern in India and the condition has consequences – such as fatigue and heart conditions – throughout an individual’s life. For women, anemia may also lead to serious complications during pregnancy.

Initiatives such as this pilot not only make a meaningful local impact, but can also be replicated in other communities with similar challenges – demonstrating the important role purpose-led organizations like Deloitte can play in the pursuit of #healthequity around the world.

Deloitte India and the Gurugram District Administration designed “Anemia Mukt Mahilayein” to advance the fight against anemia in rural communities. Using mobile healthcare and #telemedicine to deliver improved healthcare services, the program aimed to reduce anemia levels among women and children in three villages in Gurugram district in Haryana.

The program was implemented at “Test, Treat, Talk” centers where participants were tested for anemia; learned about the impact of nutrition, sanitation and dietary supplements; and were encouraged to make positive changes in everyday behaviors. Messages about the program were shared in local languages across online and offline channels to drive awareness. The program also helped strengthen local medical infrastructure by deploying mobile labs, training staff and streamlining medical and referral services.

It is moving to see the impact of this small but effective program:

• 40% of those tested who had anemia are no longer anemic
• Anemia levels in the three villages dropped by 23% over three months, against the government target of 3% in one year
• Nearly 75% of participants with anemia have shown improvement

I am immensely proud that this pilot’s success has persuaded the Public Health Foundation of India to create a playbook, in collaboration with Deloitte India, to expand the initiative across the state.

Public-private partnerships like this are a powerful way to address India’s imbalance of health outcomes for those in rural communities – and show how #purpose -led organizations can lead the way to a more equitable future. I am excited to see how Deloitte India can build on this initiative, and others like it, to help communities throughout India.