Around 70,000 Children Nationwide Screened For Anemia Under Danone-KPWKM Initiative

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- Around 70,000 children nationwide have undergone anaemia risk screenings under an initiative led by Danone Specialized Nutrition Malaysia in partnership with the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM).

Danone, a global food and beverage company, in a statement today, noted that the figures, which include a six-fold increase in screenings in 2025 compared to when it started in 2023, reflect a shift from awareness to measurable preventive action.

It said that the shift was evident during KPWKM's National Children's Day Celebration at Merdeka Stadium last Sunday, where 800 children were screened in a single day.

“When barriers such as clinic visits and cost are removed, parents are choosing proactive risk checks over waiting for symptoms to appear,” the statement read.

Country Manager of Danone Specialized Nutrition Malaysia and Singapore, Koh Kok Meng, was quoted as saying that the response at the National Children's Day shows that parents understand the importance of addressing iron deficiency early.“This programme shows what’s possible when private sector capabilities combine with government reach.

“This proves the model is working, but more still needs to be done to achieve national reach. Hence, we will continue expanding access through community touchpoints nationwide,” he said. 

In the same statement, Senior Consultant Paediatric Endocrinologist at Universiti Malaya Prof Dr Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin emphasised that iron deficiency is the most common cause of anaemia.

“Research indicates that IDA (Iron Deficiency Anaemia) can have a long-term, irreversible impact on brain development, with affected children showing IQ scores up to 13 points lower than their peers. Early screening opens the window for intervention when it's most effective,” he said.

Danone also noted that the anaemia risk screenings, which continue through KPWKM touchpoints and community events, are planned to reach more families nationwide.

-- BERNAMA