13/02/2026
ItтАЩs
Iron deficiency anaemia is an important public health problem that impacts over one-third of the population in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, accounting for
ЁЯФ╡34.9% of women of reproductive age (between 15тАУ49 years)
ЁЯФ╡42.7% of children under 5ЁЯСжЁЯП╛ЁЯСзЁЯП╛
ЁЯФ╡36.8% of pregnant womenЁЯд░ЁЯП╛
Children under 5 years of age, particularly infants and children under 2 years of age, are among the most vulnerable to . In severe cases, anaemia can cause poor cognitive and motor development in children., may lead to irreversible effects on brain development and learning.
Consistent heavy menstrual losses, maternal blood volume expansion during pregnancy, and blood loss during and after childbirth, particularly in cases of postpartum haemorrhage, commonly lead to anaemia.
can affect school performance as it makes developmental delays and behavioural disturbances, such as decreased:
ЁЯФ╡motor activity
ЁЯФ╡social interaction
ЁЯФ╡attention to tasks
In adults, can have negative effects including fatigue, impaired physical performance and decreased work productivity, less overall quality of life as well as impacting social activities
Common and non-specific symptoms of anaemia include:
ЁЯФ╡tiredness
ЁЯФ╡dizziness or feeling light-headed
ЁЯФ╡cold hands and feet
ЁЯФ╡headache
ЁЯФ╡shortness of breath, especially upon exertion
Severe anaemia can cause more serious symptoms including:
ЁЯФ╡pale mucus membranes in the mouth, nose etc.
ЁЯФ╡pale skin including under fingernails
ЁЯФ╡rapid breathing and heart rate
ЁЯФ╡dizziness when standing up
What causes anaemia?
ЁЯФ╡Inherited red blood cell disorders
ЁЯФ╡Deficiency of nutrients: iron, vitamin A, folate, vitamin B12 or riboflavin
ЁЯФ╡Chronic diseases, many of them may cause inflammation & lead to anaemia
ЁЯФ╡Heavy menstruation & pregnancy related issues
ЁЯФ╡HIV
ЁЯФ╡Parasitic infections
Dietary changes can help reduce anaemia in some cases by:
ЁЯФ╡Eating food rich in iron, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin A and other essential nutrients
ЁЯФ╡Eating a healthy and varied diet
ЁЯФ╡Taking supplements when recommended by health professionals
Other health conditions can cause anaemia so make sure to:
ЁЯФ╡get vaccinated to prevent infections that can contribute to anaemia
ЁЯФ╡treat infections
ЁЯФ╡manage chronic diseases, such as obesity & digestive problems
ЁЯФ╡manage inherited red blood cell disorders
ЁЯФ╡treat heavy menstruation & haemorrhage
ЁЯФ╡wait at least 24 months between pregnancies.