Danone Specialized Nutrition (Thailand) Co. Ltd. has officially handed over Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA) screening tools to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), marking a significant milestone in Bangkok’s health initiative. These tools are set to play a vital role in BMA’s ambitious plan to conduct health checks across the city, with a particular focus on making non-invasive IDA screening more accessible for children. This step is crucial in the early detection and prevention of IDA’s long-term effects on health and brain development.
This handover aligns with Danone’s “One Planet. One Health” vision, a commitment to enhancing public health through strategic collaborations. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 24.9% of Thai children aged 6 to 59 months are affected by anaemia. Acknowledging the serious health risks and developmental challenges posed by IDA, which can affect brain development, immunity, and physical growth in young children, Danone emphasises the need for early detection and timely intervention to mitigate these risks.
To support this initiative, Danone Thailand has provided screening tools to facilitate the testing of 3,000 children. This number is particularly noteworthy, closely aligning with the increase in Bangkok’s birthrate, which rose from 82,169 births in 2022 to 85,582 in 2023. This contribution underscores Danone’s dedication to addressing IDA in children and promoting the health and well-being of Thailand’s younger generation.
“Danone has long been committed to raising awareness and expanding IDA screenings. Providing these non-invasive screening tools to BMA is a crucial step in ensuring that children receive timely screening and intervention, helping to prevent both short- and long-term effects of IDA,” said Danish Rahman, General Manager, Southeast Asia and ISEA Lead, Danone SEA. “This collaboration with BMA is perfectly aligned with our vision to improve health and nutrition across Thailand, reinforcing our global One Health agenda.”
Duangporn Pinjeesekikul, Deputy Director of BMA’s Health Department, echoed these sentiments, stating, “We are excited to partner with Danone Thailand on this vital health initiative. Regular health checks are essential for early detection and prevention, particularly in children. Integrating these non-invasive IDA screening tools into our health check programme is a proactive step towards safeguarding the health of our children and ensuring a healthier future for Bangkok’s community.”
Danone Thailand remains steadfast in its commitment to public health, continuing to work closely with healthcare professionals, researchers, and communities to drive positive change in health and nutrition across the country.
