WIFS Programme launched in Rajasthan

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The Weekly Iron Folic Acid Supplementation Programmefor the State of Rajasthan was launched by Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare at Jaipur.

Addressing the programme, Shri Azad said adolescents form 22 % of India’s total population who are the future of the country. But half of the adolescent population, both girls and boys, suffers from anaemia. Anaemia results in poor physical growth, poor school performance and reduced concentration in daily tasks. It has a negative impact on the working capacity and development of children, adolescents and adults. Anaemia contributes to poor maternal and child health, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. For this reason, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has taken up “Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS)” programme to prevent and control the anaemia situation in adolescents. The programme will reach out to 13 crore boys and girls of the country enrolled in government, government aided and municipal schools as well as out-of-school girls. Under this programme, along with IFA tablets, adolescents and their families will be given information and counselling on nutrition and health education. The Government of India has provided Rs. 135 crores in 2012-13 and Rs. 750 crores in 2013-14 for implementation of the programme.