A Review of Anemia Prevalence, and Prevention and Control Strategies, in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia Region

Abstract

Anemia is a global public health and nutrition problem. However, data on its prevalence and potential causal factors in the 22 countries of the UNICEF Europe and Central Asia region are not systematically collected, analyzed, and reported, leading to challenges in formulating appropriate preventative strategies. We examined available anemia prevalence data among different population groups through reviewing survey reports from 2010 to 2022; conducted a literature review to explore underlying determinants of anemia including iron deficiency; and collated and reviewed program and policy documentation across the region. Anemia prevalence data for the period 1999–2009 were also researched to examine trends in anemia prevalence in the region over the past 23 y. Nationally representative data for anemia for ≥1 population group since 2010 were found for half the 22 countries, whereas less than a quarter of countries had recent data for iron deficiency. There was a lack of evidence for other factors potentially contributing to anemia in the region. Where information was available, our findings highlight that anemia remained a problem of public health significance among girls and women 15–49 y old and preschool children in all countries with data; anemia was highly associated with iron deficiency; large discrepancies in anemia prevalence existed between geographical regions and subpopulation groups within countries; and only a few countries were implementing the recommended WHO strategies to prevent and control anemia. The paucity of recent, representative, data on anemia in many countries and on the etiology of anemia in most countries remain obstacles to ensuring that effective anemia prevention strategies are placed high on national agendas in the region.