Anemia Among Women: A Hidden Global Burden Requiring New Strategies and Effective Intervention
Anemia is one of the most common nutritional disorders worldwide and represents a major health burden, particularly affecting women at different stages of their lives. It is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or the concentration of hemoglobin falls below normal levels, reducing the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to body tissues. Global estimates indicate that hundreds of millions of women of reproductive age are affected by this condition, which calls for urgent and coordinated action at the level of health policies.
Risk Factors and Main Causes
The causes of anemia among women are multiple and interrelated, making prevention and treatment strategies require a comprehensive approach. These causes can be classified as follows:
- Chronic Blood Loss
Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) is considered a major cause of iron-deficiency anemia among women of reproductive age. Losing large amounts of blood monthly leads to depletion of iron stores faster than they can be replenished through diet.
- Increased Physiological Needs (Pregnancy and Lactation)
During pregnancy, a woman’s blood volume increases significantly to meet the needs of the growing fetus, which doubles the demand for iron and folic acid. If these increased needs are not met, the risk of anemia rises sharply, potentially leading to serious complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight.
- Nutritional Deficiencies
Deficiency of micronutrients—especially iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12—is the most common cause of anemia worldwide. This often results from malnutrition or unbalanced diets that lack red meat, dark leafy vegetables, and legumes.
- Chronic Diseases and Infections
Certain chronic diseases, such as kidney disease and chronic inflammatory disorders, as well as parasitic infections like malaria and intestinal worms, contribute to worsening anemia, especially in resource-limited regions.
- Social and Economic Factors
Poverty, limited access to healthcare, lack of health education, and insufficient nutritional awareness play a decisive role in sustaining high rates of anemia among women in low- and middle-income countries.
Health and Social Consequences
The impact of anemia is not limited to individual health but extends to broad social and economic consequences.
Health consequences include:
- Chronic fatigue and general weakness, reducing women’s ability to work and maintain daily productivity.
- Impaired cognitive function, affecting concentration, memory, and brain performance.
- Weakened immunity, increasing susceptibility to infections and diseases.
- Pregnancy and childbirth complications, including higher risks of maternal and infant mortality and poor neonatal health.
- Intergenerational effects, as anemic mothers often give birth to children with low iron stores, perpetuating cycles of poverty and disease.
Prevention and Intervention Strategies
To address this global health challenge, the World Health Organization calls for adopting a package of effective and integrated interventions, including:
- Preventive and Therapeutic Supplementation
Providing iron and folic acid supplements regularly to women of reproductive age, pregnant women, and adolescents as part of comprehensive primary healthcare programs.
- Nutritional Interventions
Promoting dietary diversity and fortification of staple foods, such as flour, with iron and folic acid, along with raising awareness about consuming iron-rich foods like spinach, lentils, and meat together with vitamin C to enhance absorption.
- Disease and Infection Control
Implementing effective programs to combat malaria and eliminate intestinal worms in endemic areas, and improving sanitation and public hygiene services.
- Strengthening Primary Healthcare
Training healthcare workers to detect anemia early using portable hemoglobin testing devices, provide nutritional counseling, and manage severe cases.
- Empowering Women and Girls
Investing in girls’ education, delaying early marriage and childbearing, and improving women’s social and economic status, which positively affects their health and access to resources.
Role of the International Health Organization
The International Health Organization plays a pivotal role in addressing anemia among women, viewing it not merely as a temporary health condition but as an indicator of deep gaps in nutrition systems, healthcare, and social equality. The organization supports countries in developing appropriate health policies, strengthening nutrition programs, providing scientific guidelines, and building health system capacities. It also works to enhance cooperation among governments, international organizations, and civil society to ensure sustainable investment in public health programs and achieve health equity for women worldwide.
Prepared by:
Dr. Sara Adnan Ismael
Pharmacist, Medico Pharmaceutical Industries Laboratory
