India, July 9 -- Anaemia remains one of South Asia's quietest but most pervasive health crises, disproportionately affecting the region's poorest women and girls - and with 18 million more cases projected by 2030, experts say urgent, unified action is critical.

The warning, issued jointly by UN agencies and the regional socio-economic bloc SAARC on Wednesday, underscores South Asia's status as the "global epicentre" of anaemia among adolescent girls and women.

An estimated 259 million already suffer from the condition, which impairs the body's ability to carry oxygen, contributing to chronic fatigue, poor maternal outcomes, and reduced educational and economic participation.

"This is a clarion call for action," said Sanjay Wijesekera, ...