The World Health Organization (WHO) has marked World Anaemia Awareness Day by calling attention to the widespread impact of anaemia, a condition that affects nearly one in four people globally.
WHO warned that anaemia remains a major public health challenge, particularly for vulnerable groups such as young children, pregnant women, and menstruating adolescent girls.
In a post on its official X account, WHO revealed that two out of five pregnant women and young children worldwide suffer from anaemia, which occurs when the number of red blood cells falls below normal levels, reducing oxygen delivery throughout the body.
“Anaemia disproportionately affects young children (6–59 months), pregnant and postpartum women (15–49 years), and menstruating adolescent girls,” WHO stated.
Common symptoms of anaemia include fatigue, dizziness, cold hands and feet, headaches, shortness of breath, and an irregular heartbeat. WHO urged individuals experiencing these symptoms without a clear cause to seek medical advice.
Health experts emphasise that anaemia, often caused by iron deficiency, malnutrition, or underlying health conditions, can lead to severe complications if left untreated. WHO continues to advocate for better nutrition, iron supplementation, and early diagnosis as key strategies to combat the condition.