Did you know that up to 1 in 3 Malaysian children may be at risk of Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA)? It’s a silent condition with no obvious symptoms in most cases—yet it can have a lifelong impact on a child’s growth, learning ability, and even future opportunities.

This week, Danone Specialized Nutrition Malaysia launched the Dugro Wall of Iron Strong exhibition at IOI City Mall, Putrajaya, bringing this important conversation closer to Malaysian families. The initiative, officiated by YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, is a strong push for early screening, stronger policies, and collective action to protect children’s futures.

Why Parents Should Care About IDA

• Silent but serious: Up to 90% of children with IDA don’t show visible symptoms.
• Impacts brain development: Studies show children with IDA can score up to 13% lower on IQ tests.
• Affects growth: IDA doubles the risk of stunting, which can affect a child’s long-term health and potential.

“IDA isn’t just a medical condition; it’s an economic and development emergency. Children with iron deficiency face irreversible cognitive risk. Our collaboration with Danone highlights the urgency for immediate policy action, mandatory early nutritional screening and sustainable preventive solutions,” said YB Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri.

What Parents Can Do

Here are simple steps every parent can take to keep their little ones Iron Strong:

• Get screened early: Take advantage of community screenings and health check-ups. The earlier IDA is detected, the easier it is to treat.
• Prioritise iron-rich foods: Add foods like lean meat, fish, eggs, beans, and leafy greens to your child’s meals.
• Pair with Vitamin C: Foods rich in Vitamin C (like oranges, guava, and bell peppers) help the body absorb iron better.
• Stay aware: Use tools like the Iron Strong Screening Questionnaire (available online) to assess your child’s nutritional risks.

A Family-Friendly Exhibition with a Powerful Message

The Dugro’s Wall of Iron Strong exhibition features powerful personal stories from celebrated Malaysians, such as Paralympic champion Muhamad Ziyad Zolkefli, biotechnologist, Dr Mahaletchumy Arujanan, and nanotechnology engineer Fakhirah Khairuddin. It showcases the direct link between early childhood nutrition and lifelong health.

Families visiting the exhibition (20–24 August 2025) can also:

• Complimentary anaemia and iron deficiency screening, using a non-invasive, child friendly Haemoglobin Test and an interactive digital iron intake questionnaire-a proprietary innovation designed by Danone Nutrition Experts.
• Join fun game stations, a stamp-collection challenge with exclusive rewards,
• Explore Dugro’s product offerings and redeem special gifts,

A Shared Responsibility

“Iron Deficiency Anaemia is solvable,” said Koh Kok Meng, Country Manager of Danone Specialized Nutrition Malaysia & Singapore. “What’s needed now is collective action. This is not just Danone’s campaign; it’s Malaysia’s campaign.”

Parents, if you’re heading to IOI City Mall this week, drop by the Wall of Iron Strong with your kids. Learn, play, and most importantly—take that first step toward protecting your child from IDA.