Anemia

WHAT IS ANEMIA?

Anemia is a condition where the number of red blood cells and their oxygen-carrying capacity is insufficient to meet the body's physiological needs. Anemia is associated with fatigue, weakness, and dizziness. Maternal anemia is associated with increased risk of preterm delivery, higher maternal mortality and can affect cognitive development leading to worse health outcomes throughout the lifespan. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia globally. [1]  

WHOM DOES IT AFFECT?

Globally, anemia affects 1.62 billion people (95% CI: 1.50-1.74 billion), which corresponds to 24.8% of the population (95% CI: 22.9-26.7%). The highest prevalence is in preschool-age children (47.4%, 95% CI 45.7-49.1), and the lowest prevalence is in men (12.7%, 95% CI: 8.6-16.9%). However, the population group with the greatest number of individuals affected is non-pregnant women (468.4 million, 95% CI: 446.2-490.6).

Source:

de Benoist B et al., eds. Worldwide prevalence of anemia 1993-2005. WHO Global Database on Anemia Geneva, World Health Organization, 2008.

For more information on anemia, please visit the World Health Organization.