Colombo, July 9 -- Anaemia remains one of South Asia's most persistent health and equity challenges, affecting nearly half of all adolescent girls and women in the region. A statement highlighting the wide-ranging influence and impacts of anaemia was released by the World Health Organisation-SEA.

"Now, experts warn that without concerted action, 18 million more girls and women could become anaemic by 2030, adding to the current burden of 259 million", the World Health Organisation (WHO) South East Asia said in a statement.

As per WHO-SEARO, in response, for the first time, governments from seven South Asian countries have come together to take collective action against anaemia.

From July 9-11, the South Asian Association for Regional C...