Micronutrient deficiencies
Iron
deficiency anaemia
Iron
deficiency is the most common and widespread nutritional disorder in the world.
As well as affecting a large number of children and women in developing
countries, it is the only nutrient deficiency which is also significantly
prevalent in Industrialized Countries. The numbers are staggering: 2 billion
people – over 30% of the world’s population – are anaemic, many due to iron
deficiency, and in resource-poor areas, this is frequently exacerbated by
infectious diseases. Malaria, HIV/AIDS, hookworm infestation,
schistosomiasis, and other infections such as tuberculosis are particularly
important factors contributing to the high prevalence of anaemia in some
areas.
Iron
deficiency affects more people than any other condition, constituting a public
health condition of epidemic proportions. More subtle in its manifestations
than, for example, protein-energy malnutrition, iron deficiency exacts its
heaviest overall toll in terms of ill-health, premature death and lost
earnings.
Iron
deficiency and anaemia reduce the work capacity of individuals and entire
populations, bringing serious economic consequences and obstacles to national
development. Overall, it is the most vulnerable, the poorest and the least
educated who are disproportionately affected by iron deficiency, and it
is they who stand to gain the most by its reduction.
The
response: a three-pronged offensive
Invisible
yet ubiquitous in many developing countries, the true toll of iron deficiency
and anaemia lies hidden in the statistics of overall death rates, maternal
haemorrhage, reduced school performance and lowered productivity. Iron
deficiency anaemia affects millions. The health consequences are stealthy
but devastating, invisibly eroding the development potential of individuals,
societies and national economies.
This
need not be so. We not only know the causes; we also have solutions that are
both inexpensive and effective. Because of their close links, iron deficiency
and anaemia should be tackled simultaneously using a multifactorial and
multisectorial approach. It should also be tailored to local conditions and
take into account anaemia's specific aetiology and the population groups
affected.
It
need not be so…
WHO
has developed a comprehensive package of public health measures addressing all
aspects of iron deficiency and anaemia. This package is being implemented in
countries with high levels of iron deficiency and anaemia, malaria, helminth
infections and schistosomiasis.
Increase iron intake. Dietary diversification
including iron-rich foods and enhancement of iron absorption, food
fortification and iron supplementation.
Control infection. Immunization and control
programmes for malaria, hookworm and schistosomiasis.
Improve nutritional status. Prevention and
control of other nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamin B12, folate and
vitamin A.
Why
stop iron deficiency anaemia?
The
benefits are substantial. Timely treatment can restore personal health and
raise national productivity levels by as much as 20%. To support countries in
combating anaemia, WHO has developed guidelines on prevention and control
of iron deficiency and anaemia together with a manual for assessing the
magnitude of the problem and monitoring interventions.
Because
iron deficiency anaemia drains the life and vitality out of development.
We have both the means and potential to achieve widespread improvement.
We need to apply both energetically.Sumber: http://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/ida/en/
