Title:
Determinants of Iron Deficiency Among Children and Women in Afghanistan and the Current Policy/Strategy Gap to Address Iron Deficiency Anemia
Authors:
Azami, Mohammad Ilias
Year:
2015
PAGE:
xi, 53
Language:
En
Subject:
Health and Nutrition
Keywords:
Anemia, Iron Deficiency Anemia in Afghanistan, Malnutrition, Under-Nutrition, Macro Nutrient Deficiency, IYCF, Nutrition Survey in Afghanistan, KAP of Mother in Nutrition
Abstract:
Background: Afghanistan is a war torn country with a dismal health indicators. Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) is 400 per 100.000 and mortality among children under five is 102 per 10.000 populations. Undernutrition contributes to more than 50% of high mortality and morbidity. According to National Nutrition Survey (NNS) 2013, the prevalence of acute and chronic undernutrition is as follows: Wasting 4% (<-3 SD) and 9.5% (<-2 SD), stunting 40.9% (<-3 SD) and 20.9% (<-2 SD) and underweight are 9.7% (<-3 SD) and 25% (<-2 SD). Undernutrition and micronutrient deficiency goes parallel among children and mothers. NNS 2013 shows, 44.9% children have anemia of which 13.7% is iron deficiency anemia. Similarly, the prevalence of anemia among women of reproductive age is 40.5% of which 13.8% is iron deficiency anemia. Objective: This study aims to identify determinants of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) among children under five and women of reproductive age (WRA) in Afghanistan, explore the policy and program gaps and provide evidence based recommendation to MoPH to close the gaps. Methodology: the methodology used in this study is literature review and secondary analysis of data of NNS 2013. Findings: the secondary analysis of data from NNS 2013 and literature review shows that the main determinants of iron deficiency anemia are low socioeconomic situation, poor food intake, high prevalence of certain diseases such as ARI, diarrhea, worm infestation and malaria and poor responses of health system. Poor socioeconomic status contributes to either inability to purchase nutritious food and/or poor water and sanitation situation. Disease and undernutrition have a strong relation as they may cause vicious circle of disease and infection in children. In Afghanistan, high prevalence of certain diseases such as ARI and diarrhea among children under five years are another factor contributing to high prevalence of undernutrition. Chronic malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency in particular iron deficiency anemia are attributable to certain diseases such as diarrhea and ARI. Conclusion: children under five and women of reproductive age (WRA) are the most vulnerable population to diseases in Afghanistan. Policies alone cannot bring changes until they are complete and implemented. Strong advocacy is needed to encourage the Afghan MoPH to formulate, implement and monitor appropriate, evidence-based policies on nutrition.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
,
VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Department:
Development, Policy and Practice
Country:
Afghanistan
Region:
South Asia and Central Asia
Training:
Master of Public Health / International Course in Health Development (MPH/ICHD)
Category:
Research
Right:
© 2015 Azami
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
qsEGGuUa2U_20161024165559174.pdf