It’s crucial for everyone to keep a watchful eye for the development of symptoms to address anaemia in its early stages, where possible. As interventions improve in developing countries from wider programmes, we'll get closer to reducing global prevalence. @gavin-knight.bsky.social

Due to decreased funding and healthcare access these can often be inaccessible for developing countries. Anaemia Action Alliance uses donations from agencies and philanthropists to implement intervention programs in countries with high prevalence in a bid to reduce global levels.

What can be done to prevent/treat NA?
Increasing foods high in iron, B9+12 – meat, leafy greens and nuts
Supplementation of micronutrients – daily or prescribed doses for confirmed anaemia cases
Food fortification programmes – adding nutrients into food e.g. flour and cereals
Widespread education

Infectious diseases can worsen anaemia.
Parasitic infections, e.g. malaria (epidemic in many developing countries), can cause the destruction of RBCs leading to the development of anaemia. If the child has anaemia prior, then infection decreases Hb levels further increasing the death risk.

Low levels of iron, B9 + 12 can occur from dietary choices like being vegetarian or vegan or poor food access as this restricts meat/dairy products with high iron and B vitamin levels.
Common food preparation methods, like boiling, can reduce B vitamin content as they dissolve in water.

Problems caused by NA:
Mental impairment
Changes in behaviour
Infection susceptibility
Development and growth delays
Heart complications
These combined effect the child’s physical, mental, social and emotional wellbeing leading to a decreased quality of life and an increased mortality rate.

Iron, B9 + 12 plays key roles in Hb synthesis. Haem, a component of Hb, requires B9 + B12 for production and it utilises iron to bond with oxygen (O2) so it can be carried around the body. Low levels of these nutrients reduce the available O2 around the body (hypoxia) causing many health problems.

Symptoms of anaemia usually present in moderate to severe cases, however they also can in mild/borderline anaemia. It’s important to note that being asymptomatic doesn't rule out anaemia. These symptoms include:
Tiredness
Shortness of breath
Paler than usual
Headaches
Heart palpitations
Dizziness

NA is an umbrella term for anaemias associated with inadequate absorption, intake and use of nutrients needed for red blood cell (RBC) production e.g. iron, B12 and folate (B9). It’s characterised by haemoglobin (Hb) levels below the reference ranges, this changes depending on the age of the child.