Madhya Pradesh Emerges as India’s Top State in Anemia Control
Madhya Pradesh, once criticized for malnutrition and anemia, has now emerged as a new health model for the country. According to the latest Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) Index 2025-26 report, the state secured the first position nationwide.
Overtaking Andhra Pradesh, which ranked first last year, Madhya Pradesh scored 92.1 points, higher than the national average.
Strong Distribution and Monitoring System
ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and school health staff played a major role by reaching households and distributing Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) tablets and syrups to children, adolescent girls, and women.
The distribution data was updated weekly on the Anemia Mukt Bharat Portal, ensuring transparency and regular monitoring.
Key Achievements
- IFA coverage among children aged 6 to 59 months reached 80.4%.
- Pregnant and lactating women achieved the 95% target coverage, considered the “ceiling value”.
- All 52 districts of Madhya Pradesh maintained 12 months of full reporting for folic acid distribution in schools.
Accurate Data Reporting Became the Biggest Strength
Experts stated that the state’s success was not only due to implementation of health schemes but also because of accurate HMIS data entry and regular monitoring.
While many states struggled with incomplete reporting, Madhya Pradesh ensured regular monthly reporting from villages, schools, and Anganwadi centers.
Other States Lagged Behind
Madhya Pradesh consistently submitted data from every district. In contrast:
- In Uttar Pradesh, reports from 74 out of 75 districts were incomplete or categorized as non-reporting.
- Rajasthan also showed weak performance and slipped from 19th position last year to 23rd rank this year.
The latest Anemia Mukt Bharat ranking highlighted that along with healthcare efforts, a strong reporting system became Madhya Pradesh’s biggest advantage in securing the top rank.