A 21-month-old Pakistani girl has died in the UK.
A 21-month-old Pakistani-born girl living in the UK died from severe anemia caused by a mostly milk diet after she was unable to eat enough solid food to meet her iron needs, according to The Mirror.Anaya Khanan died at the Royal Blackburn Hospital in Blackburn, Lancashire, on 22 July 2025, after her condition rapidly worsened and doctors began making arrangements for a blood transfusion.An inquest at Preston Coroners Court heard that Anaya, the daughter of Mian Abdul Khanan and Anila Ikram from Burnley, developed severe anemia after relying heavily on cow’s milk as she struggled to consume enough solid food.District coroner Kate Bissett recorded a narrative conclusion and said Anaya’s death was the result of severe anemia associated with a predominantly milk diet.The coroner said: “Anaya Khanan died on 22 July 2025 at Royal Blackburn Hospital as a result of severe anemia caused by a predominantly milk diet.”The investigation heard that Anaya was offered solid foods but was unable to eat enough to meet her nutritional needs, especially as her condition deteriorated and fatigue made eating more difficult.
Medical evidence showed Anaya had previously been examined by her GP, who arranged blood tests for her. She was also examined at an urgent treatment center on July 10, where she was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection.The coroner noted that blood tests were not performed during that visit because they were not considered clinically necessary based on the symptoms she was experiencing at the time.Anaya’s health deteriorated overnight between July 21 and 22, prompting her family to take her to hospital.Doctors decided that she needed an urgent blood transfusion, but her condition worsened before the operation could take place.She died before the blood transfusion could be done.Her cause of death was recorded as severe anemia caused by a mostly milk diet.
About anemia
Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry adequate oxygen to tissues and organs. Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness, and rapid heartbeat. Iron deficiency anemia, the most common form of the disease, can become life-threatening if left untreated, especially in infants and young children whose nutritional needs are not met.
