Anaemia Prevalence High In Ghana

The Director of the Ghana Public Health Services, Dr George Amofa says Anaemia, recognised as the most widespread nutrient deficiency-related Public Health problem is highly prevalent in Ghana.

He said anaemia, defined as lower than acceptable levels of haemoglobin in the blood, is especially high in children and pregnant women. This is found in 84% of pre-school and 71% of school-age children as well as 64.5% of pregnant women, according to a study in 1995. Dr. Amofa said anaemia is not only due to iron deficiency, but also occurs as a result of malaria, hookworm and other parasitic infections, hence the need for those interventions.

The Director of Public Health was speaking at a two-day workshop organised by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to develop strategies and a comprehensive framework for the control of anaemia in Ghana. It forms part of efforts by the MOH to control micro nutrient deficiencies particularly iron, vitamin A and iodine. Strategies have already been developed for Vitamin A and Iodine.

The Head of Nutrition Unit of the MOH, Mrs. Rosanna Agble said iron deficiency anaemia, occurs due to low consumption of iron rich foods and absorption enhancers and the high consumption of absorption inhibitors. She said foods rich in iron include meat products, cereals and fruits, while the inhibitors are found in tea and beans.

Mrs. Agble said anaemia results in permanent impairment in mental development in children inhibiting rapid early childhood and adolescent growth and affects the child's ability to learn. In pregnant women, anaemia is the major cause of maternal mortality, risk of pre-term delivery, inadequate gestational weight gain and increased prenatal mortality.