MS Dhoni Teams with Emcure to Tackle Male Anemia Epidemic

MS Dhoni has joined hands with Emcure Pharmaceuticals to raise awareness about the often-overlooked issue of Anemia in men. Launched on International Men’s Day, this nationwide campaign highlights the serious health risks of male Anemia and promotes early diagnosis and treatment. The initiative features Dhoni in a compelling campaign video and provides a simple self-test for iron deficiency on the website anemiafreeindia.com.

According to data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), 31% of adolescent boys and 25% of men in India suffer from Anemia, with alarming increases in prevalence across states. Teenage boys aged 15–19 in 23 states and men aged 15–49 in 17 states are showing significantly rising rates, posing a growing public health challenge.

For decades, Emcure has focused on addressing Anemia in women, but with male Anemia emerging as a critical issue, the company is now expanding its efforts to target men as well. Anemia in men can lead to severe health outcomes, such as reduced productivity, poor work performance, and a higher likelihood of developing chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and cardiovascular issues. Despite its serious consequences, male Anemia often goes unnoticed and is underreported in both national and international health data.

Speaking about the initiative, Anupam Sachdeva, Director of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Sri Ganga Ram Hospital, highlighted the urgent need for awareness. He noted, “The increasing prevalence of Anemia among men is a significant threat to our economic productivity. Recognizing common symptoms, such as tiredness, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, and shortness of breath, is the first step to addressing iron deficiency effectively.”

Anil Kothiyal, President of India Business at Emcure, emphasized the company’s commitment to tackling critical health challenges. “By expanding our campaign to focus on male Anemia, we are reaffirming our dedication to preventive healthcare. Anemia not only affects individual health but also has a wider societal impact by reducing productivity. Through this initiative, we aim to improve health outcomes while raising awareness about a frequently overlooked issue.”

The campaign stresses that early detection and treatment of Anemia are crucial. By engaging men and encouraging them to take simple self-tests for iron deficiency, Emcure hopes to reverse the rising trend and foster healthier communities across India.

With MS Dhoni as the face of the campaign, the message is expected to resonate with millions, bringing much-needed attention to a critical yet under-discussed health issue. The initiative underscores the need for collective action to combat male Anemia, ensuring better health outcomes for all.