14 February 2023 : Indian Oil Corporation and the HLL Management Academy,
the educational and social development initiative of HLL Lifecare Limited,
jointly launches an innovative project titled Swasthya to tackle anaemiaamong
women of reproductive age, which has remained a prolonged and
unrecognized issue affecting the women's health in the state. The project was
officially inaugurated by Shri. P. Rajeev, Minister for Industries, Law and Coir,
Govt of Kerala on 12 February 2023 during the Oppam Super Speciality
Medical Camp at Kalamassery, Ernakulam.
The project, whichis funded by IOCL, aims to improve the quality of lives of
anaemic women by creating awareness about the condition and by fostering
strategies to tackle the issue. TheSwasthya project will be implemented in
Ernakulam district and is estimated to reach out to 15,000 beneficiaries.
Anaemia is a significant public health challenge in India. Ithas disastrous
impacts on physical and mental health,productivity, and quality of life. It is very
common across allage groups, with a concentration particularly high amongthe
most vulnerable such as pregnant women.
In a study conducted among reproductive women in India,it was found that
iron deficiency prevalence is higheramong them, which that led to many
serious conditions like dysfunctional uterinebleeding.
Swasthya aims to raise awareness about the importance of a balanced diet in
preventing Anaemia, as well as provide access to nutritional supplements and
iron-rich foods.
As part of Swasthya, free medical camps will be conducted in targeted areas.
The camp will have three sessions - health awareness, diagnosticsessions
andmanagement session. The project will operate with the support of local
specific groups like SHGs, ASHA workers, NGOs etc.