Jindal Foundation's Kishori Express aids rural Odisha girls by tackling anemia through mobile healthcare and awareness programs.
Angul (Odisha): Anemia remains a critical public health issue in India, particularly among pregnant women and adolescent girls. With nearly 58 per cent of pregnant women affected and the country contributing to 80 per cent of maternal deaths due to anemia in South Asia, the urgency for intervention is undeniable. Amidst this challenge, Jindal Foundation's ‘Kishori Express’ initiative has been making a significant impact in Odisha’s rural regions.
Launched in 2011, this mobile healthcare unit has reached over 7.5 lakh adolescent girls across multiple states, promoting better health and hygiene. Operating in 537 villages across Banarpal and Angul blocks in Odisha, the van is staffed by healthcare professionals, counselors, and educators who visit schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centers to provide essential healthcare services.
Equipped with a Hemocue Analyser, touch-screen computer, Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) tablets, and sanitary pads, the Kishori Express van categorises girls into different anemia levels based on ‘Anaemia Mukt Bharat’ guidelines. Through personalised counseling, dietary recommendations, and distribution of sanitary products and seed kits, the initiative works towards improving hemoglobin levels and menstrual hygiene awareness.
“When we started, the biggest challenge was the lack of awareness. Many families did not understand anemia’s impact, and taboos around menstrual hygiene created reluctance,” said Prashant Hota, president and group head (CSR and Education), Jindal Steel & Power. Beyond healthcare, we focused on building trust within communities through consistent engagement. Today, our success is measured not just in improved health statistics but in fostering a culture of awareness and self-care among young women. We are proud to support the Government of India’s Anaemia Mukt Bharat initiative.”
One inspiring success story is Adyasha Mohapatra, a 16-year-old from Brahmansahi village. A bright student, Adyasha struggled academically at age 11 due to undiagnosed anemia. In 2018, her teacher encouraged students to visit the Kishori Express van, where she discovered her hemoglobin level was critically low at 7.1 gm. With guided dietary changes, IFA supplements, and hygiene improvements, her levels steadily increased to 12.1 gm.
By 2021, Adyasha excelled academically, scoring 86 per cent in her 10th-grade board exams and earning the Pathanisamant Mathematics Scholarship. Her transformation didn’t just change her life—it turned her into a community advocate for health and hygiene. She was honored with the JSP Swayamprava Award on International Women’s Day for spreading awareness among her peers.
Adyasha's journey exemplifies the transformative power of Kishori Express, proving that with access to proper healthcare and education, young girls can overcome health barriers and unlock their true potential. As the initiative continues, it remains a beacon of hope for rural women, fostering a healthier and more empowered generation.
