A 21-month-old toddler from Burnley died from severe anaemia caused by a predominantly milk-based diet, an inquest has heard. Anaya Khaanan was taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital on July 22 last year after her condition worsened overnight, but she died before a planned blood transfusion could take place, according to LancsLive.
Inquest Details
Preston Coroners' Court held an inquest on Tuesday, June 16, headed by Area Coroner Kate Bisset. The court was told that Anaya had been born in Pakistan. The cause of death was recorded as severe anaemia caused by a milk-based diet.
The coroner returned a narrative conclusion and said: "Anaya Khaanan died on the 22nd July 2025 at the Royal Blackburn hospital as a consequence of severe anaemia caused by a predominantly milk-based diet."
Medical History
Anaya was offered solid foods but was unable to consume sufficient oral intake to meet her iron needs, particularly when she became tired as her anaemia progressed. She had been seen by a GP who ordered blood tests, and she was also seen at the urgent treatment centre on July 10, 2025. At that time, a diagnosis was made of urinary tract infection, and no blood tests were undertaken as they were not clinically indicated by her presentation on that date.
Final Hours
Anaya became more unwell overnight between July 21 and 22, 2025, and was taken to hospital where plans were instigated for a blood transfusion. She deteriorated and died prior to the transfusion taking place.
