The Thai-Women Red-Cheeks Campaign is a policy initiative launched by the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand to support and promote reproductive health among women of childbearing age. Introduced in 2017, this campaign aligns with the 2012 World Health Assembly resolution, which calls on member countries to reduce the incidence of anemia in women of childbearing age by 50% by 2025. Under this policy, iron and folic acid supplements are provided to women aged 20-34 who plan to conceive, with a recommended dosage of one tablet per week for at least 12 weeks before pregnancy.
National Expansion and Workplace Implementation (2020-2024)
From 2020 to 2024, the Thai-Women Red-Cheeks Campaign underwent national expansion with a particular focus on workplace implementation. This phase included two primary activities:
Vitamin distribution programs for women of childbearing age in the workplace
Promotion of iron- and folate-rich diets among employees
In Fiscal Year 2024, the Bureau of Nutrition, in collaboration with the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), organized the 2024 Thai-Women Red-Cheeks Campaign under the theme:
“Thai-Women Red-Cheeks: The Power of Success from Workplaces to a Healthy Society”
The campaign had two main objectives:
Honoring 47 Thai-Women Red-Cheeks Prototype Workplaces and recognizing an additional 68 workplaces participating in the project, bringing the total to 115 workplaces nationwide
Publicizing the rights of women of childbearing age to access free iron and folic acid supplements as part of Thailand’s public health benefits
Public-Private Partnerships
In Fiscal Year 2025, the Bureau of Nutrition at the Department of Health is spearheading the “Promoting Birth, Creating Quality Families” initiative. As part of this effort, couples were invited to celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14, 2025, by participating in a campaign promoting quality family planning. The event aimed to:
Raise awareness about maternal health, reproductive wellness, and proper nutrition for women of childbearing age.
Encourage prospective parents to proactively prepare for pregnancy through accessible healthcare services and nutritional support under Thailand’s public health benefit package.
Nutritional and Health Benefits for Expectant Mothers
As part of the Thai-Women Red-Cheeks Campaign 2025, the Ministry of Public Health is distributing iron and folic acid supplements to women aged 13-45. These supplements, often referred to as “miracle vitamins,” help prevent iron deficiency anemia and neural tube defects in newborns. The recommended dosage is one tablet per week for at least 12 weeks before conception, ensuring expectant mothers receive adequate nutrition for a healthy pregnancy.
Newlywed couples participating in the event will receive educational pamphlets and vitamin packs, reinforcing the importance of maternal nutrition before and during pregnancy.
Conclusion
The Thai-Women Red-Cheeks Campaign represents a comprehensive public health initiative that integrates nutrition, reproductive health, workplace engagement, and policy interventions to enhance maternal and child well-being. By sustaining collaborative efforts between government agencies, private sector partners, and healthcare providers, Thailand can continue to improve pregnancy outcomes, reduce anemia prevalence, and promote healthier families for future generations.
