RIGHT TO HEALTH C] Maternal Anaemia and Human Rights 6.9 The Commission has been deeply concerned about the wide-spread prevalence of iron deficiency among expectant mothers, which has resulted in high infant and maternal mortality and low birth weight related developmental disabilities, particularly among the poorer sections of society. 6.10 In order to evolve a plan of action for systematic improvements in the health care delivery system, a two-day Workshop on Health and Human Rights with Special reference to Maternal Anaemia was organised by the Commission on 26 - 27 April 2000 in partnership with the Department of Women and Child Development and UNICEF. The recommendations of that Workshop were annexed to the Commission's annual report for the year 2000-2001 and also formally transmitted to the Central Government for appropriate action. 6.11 While the response of the Government to those recommendations is yet to be received, the Memorandum of Action Taken filed by the Central Government in respect of the Commission's annual report for 1999-2000 refers to the launch, on 15 October 1997, of the nationwide Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) programme, in which Nutritional Anaemia Control is given high priority. 6.12 The Memorandum of Action Taken adds that the current RCH Programme focuses on the following strategies: • Promotion of regular consumption of foods rich in iron. • Provision of iron and folate supplements in the form of tablets to high-risk groups, for prevention as well as treatment of severe anaemia. • Improved packaging and streamlining the supply of iron and folic acid. • Identification and treatment of severely anaemic cases. 6.13 The Memorandum also states that, during 2000-2001, 464.45 crores IFA (L) and 402.52 crores (small) Iron and Folic Acid tablets were supplied. 6.14 The Commission has taken note of these observations and looks forward to further, more detailed comments, on the recommendations contained in its annual report for 2000-2001. The Commission intends to pursue this matter with all the concerned Ministries of the Government to whom its recommendations have been sent, and trusts that they will respond to the Commission's recommendations fully and positively. ANNUAL REPORT 2001-2002 63