A study noted that, despite efforts, progress in reducing anemia has been slow, with only a slight decrease in prevalence over two decades. The prevalence in women of reproductive age even increased slightly between 2012 and 2019. Anemia’s complexity arises from various causes, including nutritional deficiencies, infections (such as malaria and HIV), inherited blood disorders, and factors related to women’s reproductive biology. The study found that interventions such as dietary improvements, food fortification, malaria control, and reproductive health have shown efficacy in improving hemoglobin concentrations and reducing anemia prevalence. The implementation of these strategies requires coordinated efforts across multiple sectors, high-quality service delivery, and the use of diverse platforms like antenatal care, community events, and schools. Despite the availability of effective interventions and delivery platforms, gaps remain in policy and program implementation, highlighting the need for comprehensive, context-specific, and integrated approaches to effectively address the global burden of anemia.

Reference: Mildon A, Lopez de Romaña D, Jefferds MED, et al. Integrating and coordinating programs for the management of anemia across the life course. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2023 Jul;1525(1):160-172. doi: 10.1111/nyas.15002. Epub 2023 May 17. PMID: 37194608; PMCID: PMC10918752.