Lessons learned from implementation of a demonstration program to reduce the burden of anemia and hookworm in women in Yen Bai Province, Viet Nam

Abstract

Background: Iron deficiency, anemia and hookworm disease are important public health problems for women of reproductive age living in developing countries and affect the health of newborns and infants. Iron supplementation and deworming treatment are effective in addressing these problems in both pregnant and non-pregnant women. Daily iron supplementation and deworming after the first trimester is recommended for pregnant women although these programs usually do not operate efficiently or effectively. Weekly iron-folic acid supplementation and regular deworming for nonpregnant women may be a viable approach for improving iron status and preventing anemia during the reproductive years. Addressing these diseases at a population level before women become pregnant could significantly improve women's health before and during pregnancy, as well as their infants' growth and development.

Community-based distribution of iron–folic acid supplementation in low- and middle-income countries: a review of evidence and programme implications

“…• Women who received counselling on IFA supplementation from the village health worker had 62 % higher compliance than women who did not receive counselling Phuc et al (36) 2009 Vietnam Weekly distribution of IFA supplements and regular deworming for women aged 15-45 years through village health workers was integrated into the existing health service infrastructure…”

“…vomiting, nausea, dizziness) and forgetfulness. In addition, eight studies reported that more than 75 % of women had high compliance (taking ≥70 % of tablets) with IFA supplementation when there was a consistent supply of IFA supplements from the community level, either with or without IFA supplements delivered through health facilities (21,24,25,28,(34)(35)(36)(37) . In India, compliance was higher (62 %) among mothers who were counselled by health workers on when, how and why IFA supplementation is important than among those who did not receive guidance (20) .…”

“…Cost in relation to compliance Six studies reported IFA supplementation was provided free of charge through CBD (17,19,25,32,36,38) . A few studies assessed the impact of cost in relation to compliance and in relation to purchasing IFA tablets through private pharmacies.…”

“…Impact of community-based distribution of iron-folic acid supplementation: coverage and reductions in maternal anaemia Targeting pregnant women and WRA through community settings demonstrated increased accessibility, high compliance, and reductions in anaemia in thirteen studies (20,23,24,25,28,30,(34)(35)(36)(37)40,42) . Nicaragua increased IFA supplementation coverage among pregnant women to over 80 % and experienced a substantial drop in anaemia prevalence through use of community-based distributors who provided counselling and follow-up to pregnant women (39) .…”

Weekly Iron-Folic Acid Supplementation with Regular Deworming Is Cost-Effective in Preventing Anaemia in Women of Reproductive Age in Vietnam

“…Surveys were conducted to assess program impact, compliance and cost [13], [14]. We report here the cost and cost-effectiveness of the de-worming and weekly iron-folic acid intervention, which has now been delivered to women in Yen Bai province since May 2006.…”