South Asia has emerged as the global epicentre of anemia among adolescent girls and women, with more than 259 million currently affected, according to a joint warning issued by the United Nations agencies and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). The condition, often overlooked, is not only a health concern—it’s a signal of deeper systemic failures across health, nutrition, and education sectors.The Hidden Toll of AnemiaAnemia impairs the body's ability to carry oxygen, leading to chronic fatigue, weakened immunity, and in severe cases, complications during pregnancy and childbirth. It also limits educational attainment and economic participation, reinforcing gender inequality and poverty.The impact extends beyond individuals. An estimated 40% of the world’s low birth weight cases are linked to maternal anemia, contributing to poor childhood growth, delayed cognitive development, and lifelong disadvantages. In economic terms, anemia costs South Asia a staggering $32.5 billion every year, draining resources and limiting regional development.It Is A Preventable ConditionDespite its scale, anemia is both preventable and treatable. Public health experts emphasize that the tools already exist: regular iron and folic acid supplementation, diets rich in iron and essential vitamins, clean water and sanitation, deworming, and access to quality maternal health care.However, to make meaningful progress, countries must take an integrated, multi-sectoral approach—linking health, nutrition, education, and social protection systems.Countries And Their Strategies To Combat This IssueSeveral countries in the region are already demonstrating how focused interventions can bring results.Sri Lanka, where nearly one in five women of reproductive age is anemic, is expanding its national nutrition programmes, targeting high-burden districts with stronger maternal services.India has begun integrating iron supplementation into school and antenatal care in high-prevalence states, aiming to reach adolescent girls and expectant mothers directly.Pakistan is piloting community-based nutrition and reproductive health services, improving early detection and follow-up care in rural areas.Bangladesh is leveraging school systems to deliver fortified meals and health education to adolescents, with ministries of health, education, and agriculture working in tandem.Smaller nations like the Maldives and Bhutan are also stepping up, focusing on early prevention, public awareness, and food fortification. Both have invested in data-driven anemia monitoring and inter-ministerial collaboration.Nepal, meanwhile, has shown what sustained, community-driven action can achieve. Since 2016, the country has reduced anemia among women of reproductive age by 7%, with particularly notable improvements in low-income regions. Much of this progress is credited to the efforts of female community health volunteers, who counsel families, connect them to services, and distribute nutrition support packages such as the Sutkeri Poshan Koseli—a food and cash support scheme for new mothers.Why Is This Report Important?The new report emphasizes that ending anemia is not just a medical goal—it’s a developmental imperative. While governments must lead the charge with strong policies and investments, meaningful change also requires engagement from communities, schools, health workers, and families.Integrated health systems, targeted data, and cross-sector action can help South Asia’s girls and women break the cycle of malnutrition and unlock their full potential. Ultimately, addressing anemia is about more than preventing disease—it's about building resilient communities, stronger economies, and a healthier future for all.