Myanmar’s first Ferrovit walkathon for women jointly organised by Ministry of Sports and Ferrovit from Mega Lifesciences Ltd. brought a crowd of more than 4,000 women to People’s Park recently.
The walkathon was held in a bid to spread awareness on anemia and eradicate a nutritional problem highly prevalent among Myanmar women and children. The 5-km women walkathon was opened by Vice Minister U Thaung Htaik.
The participants started the walk from Pyay Road, Innya Kan Baung and crossed the finish line at People’s Park. Encouraged by the sounds of drums, cheerleaders and the Bugle Corps, the women crossed the finished line where they entered into an “Anemia-free Zone” and received medals and ate breakfast.
Ferrovit, the largest iron supplement brand in the country, offered participants free testing at the finish line for the blood disorder that affects 45 percent of non-pregnant women, 71 percent of pregnant women and 75 percent of children under the age of five in Myanmar. Over more than 900 women tested in free anemia checkup program.
President of Mega Life Sciences Girish Wadhwa said, “Myanmar’s iron deficiencies lead to a remarkably high prevalence rate of anemia. It’s a public health problem that needs to be addressed and addressed urgently. We see this walkathon as a big step in educating people and creating awareness on anemia.”
Nutritionist Dr Hla Kyi and celebrity Dr Chit Thu Wai gave informative health talks on the common blood condition after the event. Dr U Hla Kyi said, “Food rich in iron should be carefully consumed to prevent anemia. Furthermore, anemia can be eradicated by taking iron supplements and commercially iron- enriched food. Also, please continue to walk regularly to maintain good health.” Celebrity Ma Tin Moe Lwin also participated in Ferrovit walkathon encouraged women and also gave health talk.
