Question

Under the National Iron Plus Initiative Programme, which of the following beneficiary is provided a supplement containing 100 mg elemental iron and 500mcg of folic acid weekly ?

• A. Pregnant and lactating mothers
• B. Children aged 10-19 years
• C. Children 5-10 years
• D. Children 6-60 months.

Hint:

Remember: "Weekly" supplementation of the maximum dose (100 mg iron/500 mcg folic acid) under NIPI is specifically targeted at school-going and out-of-school adolescents aged 10-19 years.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The National Iron Plus Initiative (NIPI) is a comprehensive program launched by the Government of India to prevent and control anemia across different age groups.
The program prescribes specific, age-appropriate dosages of elemental iron and folic acid for different target beneficiaries.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us review the standard NIPI supplementation guidelines for each target group:
1. Children aged 10-19 years (Adolescents): This group receives the Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS).
The weekly dose consists of 100 mg of elemental iron and 500 mcg of folic acid.
This dose is designed to meet the high iron demands of rapid adolescent growth and menstruation in girls.
2. Pregnant and Lactating Mothers: They receive a daily dose of 60 mg elemental iron and 500 mcg folic acid for 180 days during pregnancy, not a weekly supplement.
3. Children aged 5-10 years: This group receives a weekly supplement containing 45 mg elemental iron and 400 mcg folic acid.
4. Children aged 6-60 months: This group receives a bi-weekly liquid formulation containing 20 mg elemental iron and 100 mcg folic acid per ml.
Therefore, the supplement of 100 mg elemental iron and 500 mcg folic acid weekly is designated for children aged 10-19 years.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The beneficiary group that receives 100 mg elemental iron and 500 mcg folic acid weekly is Children aged 10-19 years.