The burden of anaemia among displaced women and children in refugee settings worldwide, 2013–2016

Abstract

IntroductionDisplaced persons have a unique risk for developing anaemia due to often limited diets, overcrowding, new infections and inadequate sanitation and hygiene. The lack of anaemia prevalence estimates among the displaced inhibit global planning for anaemia reduction.MethodsWe analysed population representative, cross-sectional nutrition surveys from 2013 to 2016 conducted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and partner agencies. Included surveys measured haemoglobin concentration among children 6–59 months, non-pregnant women 15–49 years, or both groups. For each survey, we calculated mean haemoglobin and prevalence of total anaemia (<110 g/L in children, <120 g/L in women), and classified public health severity following WHO guidelines. Pearson correlations between indicators from women and children surveys were calculated where both subpopulations were measured.ResultsAnalysis included 196 surveys among children and 184 surveys among women from 121 unique refugee settings in 24 countries. The median prevalence of total anaemia in children and women was 44% and 28%, respectively. Sixty-one per cent of child surveys indicated a problem of severe public health importance compared with 25% of surveys in women. The prevalence of total anaemia in children and women was strongly correlated (ρ=0.80). Median prevalence of total anaemia was approximately 55% greater and mean haemoglobin was 6 g/L lower among children age 6–23 months compared with children 24–59 months. West and Central Africa region had the highest median prevalence of anaemia both in women and children.ConclusionWhile the burden of anaemia is high among the displaced, it mirrors that of the general population. Haemoglobin should continue to be measured in nutrition surveys in refugee settings. Sustained, multisectoral efforts to reduce anaemia are needed, with specific focus on children under 2 years of age and refugee settings in the West and Central Africa region.

Prevalence and Determinants of Anaemia among Women aged 15-49 in Nepal: A Trend Analysis from Nepal Demographic and Health Surveys from 2006 to 2016

“…Anaemia prevalence is common around the globe but most prevalent in developing countries. Prevalence of anaemia was recorded higher in the South Asian and African continent than in other countries throughout the world (Ajepe et al, 2020).Global estimation indicated that three out of ten (29%) of non-pregnant women and more than one third (38%) were anaemic (Herzog et al, 2019;Kay et al, 2019). It is estimated that nearly half a billion of women from reproductive age are affected by anaemia (Wemakor, 2019).…”

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) in a refugee context in East Africa: Kitchen gardening helps with mineral provision

“…Despite low dietary contribution of Ethiopian okra to the RDA for Fe, less than 15% for young children and pregnant women, this still may have some positive nutritional implications given the huge prevalence of Fe deficiency during pregnancy in SSA particularly in a refugee setting. For example, in 2008, anemia was the cause for 55% of maternal deaths in Daddab refugee camp in Kenya [ 116 ] and continues to exert maternal mortality in humanitarian crisis [ 117 ]. Likewise, Andresen et al [ 118 ] found high overall prevalence of anemia among South Sudanese children aged between 6 and 59 months in Kule (51.9%) and Tierkidi (46.2%) refugee camps in Ethiopia, a value slightly higher than the demonstrated prevalence was obtained for South Sudanese children of similar ages residing in Pugnido refugee camp in Gambella region, Ethiopia [ 119 ].…”

Aktualisierte Empfehlungen zur infektiologischen Versorgung von Flüchtlingen im Kindes- und Jugendalter in Deutschland (Stand 30. März 2022), angemeldet als S1-Leitlinie (AWMF-Register Nr. 048-017)

“…Neben Infektionskrankheiten gibt es andere Erkrankungen und Gesundheitsprobleme, die gehäuft bei minderjährigen Flüchtlingen auftreten und dadurch auch in der Untersuchung besondere Beachtung erfahren sollten. Beispiele sind die sehr häufig feststellbaren Zahnerkrankungen [ 8 ] sowie Anämien [ 12 ]. Insbesondere bei UMF treten gehäuft psychische Erkrankungen auf [ 13 , 14 ].…”