Introduction
If you are feeling permanently tired and struggling to do normal activities such as learning, working or even breathing, there is a strong possibility that you are anaemic. In other words, the haemoglobin in your body is not sufficient to carry the oxygen to different organs and tissues in the desired quantity, which may cause these symptoms. While a 50% reduction in cases of anaemia by 2030 is a global objective, the numbers show that we are far from achieving that target. According to the last data reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2023 30,7% of women aged 15-49 years suffered from anaemia and, in 2019, 39,8% of children 6-59 months were affected by the same condition. Africa is one of the two world regions most affected by anaemia, with data indicating that 106 million women and 103 million children are suffering from this condition. Any situation that causes the reduction of blood circulating in our body may lead to anaemia. For example, heavy blood loss, nutrient deficiency caused by insufficient dietary intake or malabsorption, and infections such as malaria and HIV. However, iron deficiency, primarily due to insufficient dietary intake, is commonly recognized as a major cause of this condition.
How does Anaemia impact African Countries development?
Anaemia symptoms such as permanent fatigue due to limited oxygen apportionment, limits peoples’ capacity to learn, work, and socialize. In more severe cases, it can limit mobility and the capacity to develop other motor activities. Therefore, anaemia can delay children’s growth and development, and affect their school performance, compromising their preparation for adult life. In women, anaemia has a direct impact on the reproduction system’s capacity, and it can affect the fertility and efficacy of pregnancy and the health of new-born babies. Overall, anaemia can negatively and significantly impact levels of productivity, translating into heavy economic losses amounting to millions of Dollars.
How can we prevent Anaemia?
Preventing anaemia in African and other countries, requires robust Heath Policies and government intervention. However, individuals may also have an important role changing diets and adopting self-care habits that contribute to reducing anaemia. i.e. eating a healthy diet including foods that are rich in iron, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin A, and other nutrients such as poultry, fish, red meat, legumes like beans and lentils, and green leafy vegetables (in some countries iron-fortified foods are also available). Including fruits and vegetables that are rich in Vitamin C and therefore boost iron absorption, such as oranges, kiwis, clementines, and, sweet potato, in diets. Getting advice from a health-provider, particularly if one is a menstruating adolescent, a pregnant woman, or is having symptoms that may be related to anaemia. Adopting behaviours and hygiene habits that contribute to prevent infections such as Malaria, HIV and foodborne diseases.
Conclusion
Anaemia is usually a sign of poor nutrition and health care. In Africa, it particularly affects populations living in rural settings, in poorer households, and those who have received no formal education. Reducing the overall capacity, health and quality of life of individuals, anaemia significantly impacts affected countries’ development and economic growth. Prevention is key to achieve the global 50% reduction that is targeted for 2030 and requires not only governments intervention but individual self-awareness and care. Plummeting anaemia may contribute to significantly boost productivity and overall quality of life of people living in Africa and the development and economic growth of the Continent.
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