In News:

AnemiaPhone, a technology developed by Cornell University researchers to accurately, quickly, and cheaply, assess iron deficiency, has been transferred to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for integration into its programmes for anaemia, women’s health, and maternal and child health throughout the country.

Key Highlights:

• Technology Features:
  • Portable, Rapid, and Affordable: AnemiaPhone is designed to detect iron deficiency efficiently at low cost.
  • Requires a fingerstick (small blood sample).
  • Results are available within minutes.
  • Wireless: Data uploaded to a clinical database via mobile, tablet, or computer.
  • Can be used by healthcare workers to assess iron deficiency on the spot and take action (guidance, triage, referral).
• Working Mechanism:
  • A drop of blood is placed on a test strip.
  • The reader processes the sample.
  • Data is uploaded for immediate diagnosis and action.
  • Test results assist in on-the-spot intervention by healthcare workers.

Anaemia and Iron Deficiency:

• Prevalence in India:
  • Iron deficiency is a leading cause of anaemia.
  • 50%-70% of pregnant women in India suffer from anaemia.
  • 59% of women and 47% of children (6-59 months) in India suffer from anaemia (NFHS data).
• Consequences of Anaemia:
  • Fatigue, dizziness, organ failure, complications in childbirth, and in severe cases, death.
  • Contributes to higher maternal and child mortality rates in India.
• Impact on Health in India:
  • India has one of the highest rates of anaemia in the world.
  • Iron deficiency is a significant contributor to maternal deaths.

ICMR's Role and Integration into National Programs:

• ICMR and AnemiaPhone:
  • The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has integrated AnemiaPhone into its Anaemia Mukt Bharat (Anaemia-Free India) program.
  • The program focuses on eliminating anaemia by 2025 through screening, diagnosis, and treatment in women and children, especially in remote areas.
• Transfer of Technology:
  • In November 2024, Cornell University transferred the technology to ICMR for free.
  • This collaboration aims to improve health outcomes by sharing innovative health technologies.

Advantages of AnemiaPhone:

• Cost-Effective and Portable:
  • Low-cost compared to traditional lab tests.
  • Portable and can be used in remote and underserved areas.
• Quick Diagnosis: Results are processed in minutes, allowing healthcare workers to act without delay.
• No Need for Expensive Labs:
  • Can be used at primary health centers or in door-to-door health surveys.
  • Facilitates healthcare in rural or difficult-to-reach areas.
• Wireless and Easy to Use: The device is user-friendly and does not require extensive training.

Impact on Healthcare System:

• Improvement in Accessibility:
  • Helps reduce the need for people to travel long distances for diagnosis, especially in rural areas.
  • Ensures early diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency and anaemia.
• Enhancing Maternal and Child Health: AnemiaPhone will contribute to reducing maternal and child mortality rates linked to anaemia.

Technology Testing and Development:

• Testing in India:
  • AnemiaPhone has been tested in India and has shown accurate results in diagnosing iron deficiency.
  • Single-use test strips help ensure accuracy and prevent contamination.

Global Health Context:

• Global Prevalence of Anaemia: More than 2 billion people worldwide suffer from anaemia, particularly pregnant women and young children.
• WHO’s Role: The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies anaemia as a major global health issue.