As another week plus of Ramadan remains, a hidden health challenge looms for many families; iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) in children. Affecting around 1 in 3 Malaysian children, IDA often goes undetected, leading to fatigue, poor concentration, and stunted growth. During fasting month, disrupted meal patterns and common food choices can exacerbate this “silent epidemic,” making proactive awareness more critical than ever.
In Malaysia, where IDA ranks among top child health threats, Ramadan bazaars during the fasting month amplify risks—think iron-poor staples like popiah, kuih, and sweetened drinks that dominate iftar feasts.
Several factors converge to worsen IDA:
- Erratic Iron Intake: Suhoor and iftar often prioritise quick carbs over iron rich foods like red meat or leafy greens, slashing daily iron absorption.
- Underserved Families: Low-income households face heightened barriers, with limited access to screening and fortified nutrition.
Practical ways to curb IDA in children:
- Pair iron sources (spinach, liver, lentils) with vitamin C-rich foods (oranges, guava) at suhoor for 2-3x better absorption.
- Screen early: Use simple questionnaires or clinic checks for signs like pale skin or irritability, vital for children over 12 months.
Community Response: MYDIN-Danone (Dumex Dugro) Initiative
Community efforts, such as the MYDIN-Danone (Dumex Dugro) partnership featuring educational booths at Ramadan bazaars like Stadium Shah Alam offering free IDA risk assessments, interactive questionnaires, and nutritional guidance amplify this message. Through initiatives like MYDIN Prihatin and Generasi Kuat Zat Besi, these collaborations ensure underserved families gain access to early screening and practical tools, helping children emerge from Ramadan resilient, not depleted.
Koh Kok Meng, Country Manager of Danone Malaysia & Singapore, said, “At Danone, we believe every child deserves the right nutritional foundation to thrive. This Ramadan, through Dumex Dugro, we are extending our commitment beyond awareness into measurable community impact. By partnering with MYDIN, we are combining access, outreach, and purpose to support families while continuing to drive education on IDA and early screening.”
The partnership will be amplified through in-store, digital, and on-ground engagements across MYDIN’s nationwide network of 65 stores, ensuring broad accessibility for suburban and residential communities.
Rooted in the shared values of compassion and togetherness, this collaboration will see an in-kind contribution of RM1.00 for every participating Dugro pack purchased between March and April 2026. Danone aims to donate some 3,000 packs of Dumex Dugro to orphans and low-income families. This aid will be distributed through MYDIN Prihatin.
