Are Countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region on Track Towards Meeting the World Health Assembly Target for Anemia? A Review of Evidence

Overview

Journal Int J Environ Res Public Health

Publisher MDPI

Specialties Environmental Health
Public Health

Date 2021 Apr 3

PMID 33801513

Citations 9

Authors

Ayoub Al-Jawaldeh

Mandy Taktouk

Radhouene Doggui

Zahra Abdollahi

Baseer Achakzai

Hassan Aguenaou

Moussa Al-Halaika

Salima Almamary

Rawhieh Barham

Ferima Coulibaly-Zerbo

Laila El Ammari

Jalila Elati

Noureen Aleem Nishtar

Nasrin Omidvar

Mohammad Qasem Shams

Abdul Baseer Qureshi

Lara Nasreddine

Affiliations

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Abstract

Anemia is a multifactorial condition, with a complex etiology that involves nutritional and non-nutritional factors. The misconception that iron deficiency is equivalent to anemia may mask the need to address other potential causative factors. This review paper aims to (1) assess the burden of anemia vs. iron deficiency anemia (IDA) amongst women of reproductive age (WRA), pregnant women (PW), and children under five years old (underfive children, U5C) in the Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR); (2) evaluate trends in anemia prevalence and whether countries are on track towards meeting the World Health Assembly (WHA) target for 2025; and (3) characterize anemia reduction efforts and provide a road map for future programs. A search of pertinent literature and databases was conducted. Anemia prevalence in the EMR ranged between 22.6% and 63% amongst PW, 27% and 69.6% amongst WRA, and 23.8% and 83.5% amongst U5C. Data showed that the EMR is not on course towards meeting the WHA target. The contribution of IDA to anemia was found to be less than half. Other potential contributors to anemia in the region were identified, including micronutrient deficiencies, parasitic infestations, and poor sanitation. A framework of action was proposed as a roadmap to meet the targets set by the WHA.

Citing Articles

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Nutrition Profile for Countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region with Different Income Levels: An Analytical Review.

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Nutrition and Food Literacy in the MENA Region: A Review to Inform Nutrition Research and Policy Makers.

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