WIFS programme launched
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 10 2014 :
Like in other parts of the country, Weekly Iron Folic Acid Supplement Programme (WIFS) has been launched in the State today.
The nation-wide programme which aims at prevention of anaemia was launched in a function organised by State Health Society held at Classic Hotel.
Speaking at the occasion, State Health Society Mission Director Dr Okram Ibomcha said that the programme would try to bring down infant mortality, under 5 years mortality and and maternal mortality rates at the level fixed by WHO and UNICEF.
Saying that the rate of pregnant women and children affected by anemia is high, Dr O Ibomcha said that the State too has some cases.
He said that women usually face fatal complicacies during child birth if they do not maintain iron at normal level from the age of adolescence.
Informing that an anaemic mother usually gives birth to anaemic infant which usually dies within a year, Dr Ibomcha said that the Government of India implements WIFS programme to reduce the number of persons affected by anaemia.
Iron Folic Acid tablets would be distributed to different Government and Government aided schools through concerned ZEOs, he said and added that the same would be given to children who are reading in Class VI to XII and at the age group of 10 to 19 years once in a week.
Teachers must instruct the children not to take the tablet empty stomach.
Saying that pregnant women must not take iron folic acid tablets, Ibomcha said that they have separate programme.
Health and Family Welfare Principal Secretary Dr Suhel Akhtar and Education (S) Director H Dilip also attended the function.