More than half of Odisha’s PVTG adult women anaemic, says a study by Utkal University
A study by Utkal University reveals that over half of adult women and a significant portion of men in Odisha's vulnerable tribal groups suffer from anaemia. The findings highlight urgent health inequities and the need for targeted nutritional interventions.
Why it matters
The data underscores the persistent health disparities faced by marginalized indigenous populations, necessitating evidence-based policy changes.
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.
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