Anemia, a potentially debilitating condition that can affect physical and neurocognitive capacity, has become a leading proxy indicator for nutrition and broader human development. Anemia among women 15-49 years of age remains a significant and enduring global health problem, associated with increased maternal mortality and adverse birth outcomes, as well as reduced productivity and economic losses. SDG2 includes a goal set by the World Health Assembly to reduce anemia among women of reproductive age (WRA) by 50% by 2025. However, there has been little progress over the last decade, with global prevalence stagnated at approximately 30%. Exemplar countries have shown promising progress and offer lessons we can learn from. In this session, panelists from Exemplars in Global Health* will present synthesized findings from four countries that showed exemplary performance in reducing anemia among WRA (i.e., Philippines, Senegal, Pakistan, and Uganda). A rigorous mixed methods approach was used, including a comprehensive, systematic review of anemia relevant programs and policies and their financing, and quantitative analyses complemented by qualitative data from in depth interviews. Findings on consistent drivers of anemia reduction across geographies and context specific multisectoral interventions will be shared, providing transferrable lessons on the prevention of anemia. Additionally, two country case studies, the Philippines and Uganda, will be presented by in-country research partners.* The Exemplars in Global Health WRA Anemia project is led by a consortium of global research partners from SickKids, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Makerere University, Aga Khan University, and Institut de Technologie Alimentaire.
International Maternal Newborn Health Conference 2023 information@imnhc.orgAnemia, a potentially debilitating condition that can affect physical and neurocognitive capacity, has become a leading proxy indicator for nutrition and broader human development. Anemia among women 15-49 years of age remains a significant and enduring global health problem, associated with increased maternal mortality and adverse birth outcomes, as well as reduced productivity and economic losses. SDG2 includes a goal set by the World Health Assembly to reduce anemia among women of reproductive age (WRA) by 50% by 2025. However, there has been little progress over the last decade, with global prevalence stagnated at approximately 30%. Exemplar countries have shown promising progress and offer lessons we can learn from. In this session, panelists from Exemplars in Global Health* will present synthesized findings from four countries that showed exemplary performance in reducing anemia among WRA (i.e., Philippines, Senegal, Pakistan, and Uganda). A rigorous mixed methods approach was used, including a comprehensive, systematic review of anemia relevant programs and policies and their financing, and quantitative analyses complemented by qualitative data from in depth interviews. Findings on consistent drivers of anemia reduction across geographies and context specific multisectoral interventions will be shared, providing transferrable lessons on the prevention of anemia. Additionally, two country case studies, the Philippines and Uganda, will be presented by in-country research partners.
* The Exemplars in Global Health WRA Anemia project is led by a consortium of global research partners from SickKids, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Makerere University, Aga Khan University, and Institut de Technologie Alimentaire.