Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 14: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has launched a Rs 1-crore innovation challenge aimed at finding effective solutions to combat anaemia, a major public health concern affecting millions across India.

The initiative seeks to encourage researchers, startups, entrepreneurs and organisations to develop innovative, scalable and affordable technologies for the detection, prevention and management of anaemia. The challenge is expected to support breakthrough ideas that can be implemented at the grassroots level and improve health outcomes across the country.

Anaemia remains one of India's most persistent health challenges, particularly among women, children and adolescents. Health experts have repeatedly highlighted the condition's impact on physical growth, cognitive development, maternal health and overall productivity.

The launch comes at a time when concerns have been raised over the lack of updated anaemia prevalence data in the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) fact sheets. The government has said a separate survey using improved methodologies will be conducted to provide more accurate estimates of the burden of anaemia in the country.

Officials said the innovation challenge is intended to accelerate the development of practical and cost-effective solutions that can strengthen India's fight against anaemia and contribute to better public health outcomes nationwide.