The Challenges of Addressing Anemia
Although anemia can be a very dangerous condition, it is also both preventable and treatable. However, if anemia is so damaging, why haven’t we been able to do a better job of addressing it? The answers are varied across complex diagnosis, control, and policy challenges.
The Current State of the Global Campaign Against Anemia
Progress to Date
For certain measures, the world has made considerable progress against anemia over the past two decades.
Each WHO region was able to reduce prevalence of anemia among WRA during the years 2000–2019.
Anemia prevalence among WRA by WHO region
In addition, the overall profile of anemia cases has become less dire, with fewer severe cases and a higher proportion of mild cases.
Anemia prevalence among WRA by WHO region by anemia severity
Gains against anemia have been especially pronounced in certain areas.
- The WHO Western Pacific and European regions have reduced the number of anemic women of reproductive age on an absolute basis. The Western Pacific’s reduction in cases from 96 million in 2000 to 60 million in 2019 is especially noteworthy.
- Several countries have demonstrated a reduction in anemia prevalence in nonpregnant women, as indicated by repeated national surveys in the Sixth Report on the World Nutrition Situation, compiled by the United Nations Standing Committee on Nutrition.
- China decreased prevalence from 50 percent to 19.9 percent in 21 years (1981–2002)
- Nepal from 65 percent to 34 percent in 8 years (1998–2006)
- Sri Lanka from 59.8 percent to 31.9 percent in 13 years (1988–2001)
- Cambodia from 56.2 percent to 44.4 percent in 6 years (2000–2006)
- Vietnam from 40 percent to 24.3 percent in 14 years (1987–2001)
- Guatemala from 35 percent to 20.2 percent in 7 years (1995–2002). ,
Pitfalls to Date
Nevertheless, not all the news on anemia is positive. Globally, there has been little progress in reducing the prevalence of anemia among WRA over the last decade, with global prevalence stagnated at approximately 30 percent. This lack of progress is particularly stark in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, where prevalence has increased over this time in some countries.21 The second Global Nutrition Target 2025 calls for a 50 percent reduction of anemia in WRA. However, no country is on track to achieve this goal.