Dagan R. 1999, personal communication

Current data from MCH clinics in Beer-Sheva, from upper and middle middle class populations show that in the second year of life anemia rates are 15%. However in the age group of 6-11 month olds, the rates are as high as 23%.

Thus we find that even with Ministry of Health recommendations, in both population groups in the Negev, anemia is far from being eliminated in the young. Additional steps such as better and more intensive educational efforts, changing feeding practices and promotion of intake of iron enriched foods should be implemented within a public health policy.