Background and objectives:
Anemia control program in India have seen mixed experiences from initial progress to later stagnation of effect on anemia control. Poor program implementation, and lack of research to identify solutions for these implementation bottlenecks being key reasons for stagnation. Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) was launched in 2018 to intensify, strengthen, and accelerate efforts to reduce anemia burden in India. Present abstract outline various implementation research agenda identified in first-four years of launch of AMB.

Methods:
AMB strategy embarks service delivery through 6x6x6 strategy. Progress of AMB had led to identification of bottlenecks at various levels through stakeholder meetings/high-level-expert-meetings/real-time problem faced during implementation of the program. Low coverage/consumption of IFA among beneficiaries, difficulties in procurement of point-of-care devices for haemoglobin estimation, and lack of effective strategies for control of non-nutritional causes of anemia were few known implementation challenges. Various issues identified at different levels from AMB program were utilized as implementation research exercises to further improve its effectiveness.

Results:
The various implementation researches agendas identified were proof of concept for 6x6x6 strategy, effectiveness of food fortification (rice, salt, and wheat flour), and feasibility of food fortification through multiple food vehicles. Multi-micronutrient deficiency as adjunct cause of anemia also necessitates research on effectiveness multi-micronutrient supplements in tackling anemia. Ferrous carboxy maltose as one-shot therapy for anemia in pregnancy was also explored. We also have to focus on anemia literacy, and studies on non-responders for anemia treatment. Other areas to further explore under implementation research are supervised supplementary feeding programme-ready-to-use-therapeutic food, non-invasive haemoglobin measuring devices and many more.

Conclusions:
AMB program in India has successfully incorporated implementation research as key strategy for strengthening program implementation. The learning’s achieved from these implementation research will prove valuable for success of AMB program and control of anemia in India.