More than half of Odisha’s PVTG adult women anaemic, says a study by Utkal University

Published 20 July 2026 · india

A sizeable section of Odisha’s particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) suffers from anaemia, affecting 37% of adult men and over 53% of adult women, while

A sizeable section of Odisha’s particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs) suffers from anaemia, affecting 37% of adult men and over 53% of adult women, while indicators such as blood pressure and random sugar levels point to an early onset of metabolic risks, according to a Utkal University study released on Monday (July 20, 2026). “The growth, nutritional, and health profile of Odisha’s PVTGs reflects a complex interplay of undernutrition, emerging lifestyle changes, increasing metabolic risks and persistent health inequities,” says the study. According to University, the interdisciplinary study covered 10 of Odisha’s 13 PVTGs,- the Bonda, Didayi, Dongria Kandha, Kutia Kandha, Juang, Paudi Bhuiya, Hill Kharia, Mankidia, Lodha and Lanjia Saora communities across the tribal-dominated districts of Malkangiri, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Keonjhar, Deogarh, Mayurbhanj and Gajapati. Researchers had surveyed 9,222 individuals from 2,041 PVTG households. The study released by Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati says there is high prevalence of anaemia among adult male members of the PVTGs in Odisha, highlighting significant intra-group differences and a moderate overall anaemia burden.

“Out of 1,015 adult males studied, 36.95% were anaemic, indicating that over one-third of this population suffers from nutritional deficiencies or underlying health conditions that affect their haemoglobin levels. Among the tribes, the Mankidia (59.18%) and Bonda (56.30%) men exhibit alarmingly high rates of anaemia, significantly surpassing the overall average,” it finds. “A severe nutritional challenge, potentially linked to limited dietary diversity, poor iron intake, recurrent infections, or parasitic infestations, has been identified. The Lodha [47.32%] and Lanjia Saora [39.26%] males also show increased levels of anaemia, indicating an urgent need for targeted nutritional interventions and improved access to healthcare,” the study finds. “This report is exactly the kind of evidence-based, field-rooted research a university should be producing. It gives policymakers a clear, current picture of where our PVTG communities stand — their strengths as well as their vulnerabilities,” said Chandi Prasad Nanda, Vice Chancellor, Utkal University. “Anaemia in more than half of adult women, high childhood stunting, and a home-delivery rate of 59% tell us that basic maternal and nutritional care is still not reaching these communities consistently,” Prasanna Kumar Patra, Coordinator, Centre of Excellence in Studies on Tribal and Marginalised Communities (CoE-STMC).