Anemia Women silent killer Elizabeth proscovia Ndaba Nutritionist Ministry of Health Tanzania Nov 22, 2018

Anemia has substantial negative effects on health and economic wellbeing of nations and communities Globally, maternal anemia increases the risk of pre-term delivery and low birth weight In children, it impairs cognitive development, stunt growth, and increase morbidity from infectious diseases What is it?

Magnitude Almost half (45%) of Tanzanian women are anemic. Overall, 58% of children are anemic. Moderate and mild anemia is the most common form in women and children Anemia is highest in children age 9-11 months Magnitude

Causes Infections are a key cause of anemia – Malaria, hookworm Insufficient iron stores Inadequate intake of Iron rich foods Other causes include malaria, hookworm, nutritional deficiencies, chronic infections, and genetic conditions. Causes

Trends

Reduce the prevalence of anemia among children age 6-59 months from 71 Reduce the prevalence of anemia among children age 6-59 months from 71.8% in 2004/5 to 55%. Reduce the prevalence of anemia among pregnant women from 48.4% in 2004/5 to 35% Goals & Targets About 8 in 10 pregnant women took iron tablets or syrup for prophylaxis of anaemia - About three in five children age 6-59 months and 45% of women age 15-49 are anaemic

For pregnant women - sleeping under a bed net and taking intermittent preventive treatment (IPT) for malaria and deworming pills. For infants, young children - delayed cord clamping, sleeping under a bed net, exclusive breastfeeding, and birth spacing For young children - continued breastfeeding and adequate complementary feeding (including micronutrients), preventing and treating malaria, and taking deworming pills For adolescence - IFA supplements and deworming pills. Family planning delays the age at first birth. Prevention

Multisectoral efforts 1. Agriculture Production of biofortified and iron rich crops Promotion of livestock and poultry keeping 2. Health Iron Supplementation Deworming Malaria prevention and treatment Promotion of IYCN + EBF Delayed cord clamping Family Planning 3. Education Female literacy Health education Hygiene education Family planning education Nutrition education 4. WASH Improved latrines and handwashing Access to clean and safe water Stunting and Anemia share similar risk factors and are responsive to many of the same interventions

Policies & Strategies 99

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