Kuala lumpur: Around 70,000 children nationwide have undergone anemia risk screenings under an initiative led by Danone Specialized Nutrition Malaysia in partnership with the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Danone, a global food and beverage company, noted in a statement today 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 was highlighted that this 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. The statement emphasized that when barriers such as clinic visits and cost are removed, parents are choosing proactive risk checks over waiting for symptoms to appear.

Country Manager of Danone Specialized Nutrition Malaysia and Singapore, Koh Kok Meng, remarked that the response at the National Children's Day demonstrates that parents understand the importance of addressing iron deficiency early. He stated that the program illustrates the potential of combining private sector capabilities with government reach, yet acknowledged that more efforts are needed to achieve national reach. Plans to expand access through community touchpoints nationwide were also mentioned.

In the same statement, Senior Consultant Paediatric Endocrinologist at Universiti Malaya, Prof Dr. Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin, emphasized that iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia. He noted that research indicates that Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) 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 is crucial as it opens the window for effective intervention.

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