Healthcare workers conduct hemoglobin tests for adolescent girls in Varanasi, as part of an initiative to address the alarming rates of anemia. This community-driven effort aims to improve the health and future prospects of these young girls through regular health check-ups and nutritional education.
Addressing Anemia Among Adolescent Girls in Varanasi: A Human Rights Issue
Case No.- 20502/24/72/2024
The issue of anemia among adolescent girls in Varanasi has come to the forefront as a serious public health and human rights concern. A complaint, dated 05/08/2024, submitted by Shruti Nagvanshi of JanMitra Nyas to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has initiated action, as outlined in NHRC's communication to the District Magistrate of Varanasi on 17/10/2024. The Commission has requested swift action to address this pressing issue, associating the complainant in the process, with a report due within eight weeks.
The complaint is based on alarming findings from a health survey conducted by JanMitra Nyas, with support from CRY, which reveals that a staggering 94.5% of the 685 adolescent girls tested in Varanasi suffer from varying degrees of anemia. The breakdown of the results is deeply troubling:
- Severe Anemia: 56 girls (8.2%)
- Moderate Anemia: 489 girls (71.4%)
- Mild Anemia: 102 girls (14.9%)
- No Anemia: Only 38 girls (5.5%)
These statistics point to an urgent public health crisis, with anemia contributing to long-term physical and cognitive development issues, chronic fatigue, and even life-threatening conditions such as cardiovascular complications. This is not just a medical issue but a human rights violation, as it deprives these young girls of the opportunity to lead healthy, productive lives.
Interventions by JanMitra Nyas
Recognizing the severity of the problem, JanMitra Nyas has already initiated several interventions:
- Iron Supplement Distribution: Providing iron supplements to combat the immediate effects of anemia.
- Nutritional Education: Raising awareness about the importance of a balanced diet, rich in iron and other nutrients, to prevent anemia.
- Healthcare Access: Facilitating regular health check-ups and improving access to Community Health Centers (CHCs), Primary Health Centers (PHCs), and Sub Centers - Health and Wellness Centers (HWCs).
While these efforts are crucial, Shruti Nagvanshi has emphasized the need for a more coordinated, systemic response from government and public health authorities.
Recommendations to NHRC
In her appeal to the NHRC, Shruti Nagvanshi has called for the following actions:
Strengthening the National Nutritional Anemia Control Programme (NNACP): She urges the NHRC to review the current implementation of the NNACP, ensuring that it is adequately funded, implemented effectively, and held accountable.
Health and Human Rights Education: She advocates for the integration of health and human rights education into formal and informal curricula, to empower girls and communities to understand and combat anemia.
Comprehensive Health Legislation: She calls for legislation that focuses on the rights of women and children, particularly adolescent girls, ensuring access to essential healthcare services.
Urgency of the Situation
The health crisis affecting adolescent girls in Varanasi is not just a matter of public health but a pressing human rights issue. Immediate action is necessary to prevent further deterioration of the health of these girls, who represent the future of our society. The NHRC’s involvement in this matter signals the seriousness with which the issue is being addressed, and it is hoped that the District Magistrate of Varanasi will take swift and meaningful action in response.
The case serves as a reminder of the broader systemic issues that need to be tackled in India’s healthcare system, particularly concerning marginalized communities. It is also a call to civil society, government agencies, and international organizations to collaborate in combating this silent crisis.
For further insights into this pressing issue, Shruti Nagvanshi has published a detailed article on the subject, which can be accessed via the US news portal Medium: Anemia Among Adolescent Girls in Varanasi: A Concerning Scenario.
| Case No.- 20502/24/72/2024 |
| NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION |
| (LAW DIVISION) |
| * * * |
| MANAV ADHIKAR BHAWAN, BLOCK-C, |
| G.P.O. COMPLEX, INA, NEW DELHI- 110023 |
| Fax No.: 011-24651332 Website: www.nhrc.nic.in |
| Date : 17/10/2024 |
| To, |
Collectorate Compound, Hamrautia,
VARANASI UTTAR PRADESH
221001
Email- dmvar@nic.in
| Sir/Madam, |
| The complaint/intimation dated 05/08/2024, received from SHRUTI NAGVANSHI in respect of ADOLESCENT GIRLS, was placed before the Commission on 17/10/2024. Upon perusing the same, the Commission directed as follows: |
| This complaint be transmitted to the concerned authority for such action as deemed appropriate. The authority concerned is directed to take appropriate action within 8 weeks associating the complainant/victim and to inform him/her of the action taken in the matter. |
| 2. Accordingly, I am attaching scanned copy of the complaint/intimation for necessary action as per the directions of the Commission. |
Yours faithfully |
| CC to |
Complainant Details: Links for details: https://www.scribd.com/document/781592915/Addressing-Anemia-Among-Adolescent-Girls-in-Varanasi-A-Human-Rights-Issue |
Addressing Anemia Among Adolescent Girls in Varanasi: A Human Rights Issue by pvchr.india9214 on Scribd
Addressing Anemia Among Adolescent Girls in Varanasi: A Human Rights Issue by pvchr.india9214 on Scribd
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