Anemia in Latin America and the Caribbean, 2009. Situation analysis, trends, and implications for public health programming

Abstract

[Executive summary] This report presents aggregated results on the prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency in countries of Latin America and Caribbean during the period 1981–2009. It provides the most recent data available on the prevalence of anemia at the national, subregional, and regional levels; trends; and estimated numbers of affected children and affected women of childbearing age. It summarizes the current situation of policies and programs to prevent and treat anemia and iron deficiency, and discusses their strengths and weaknesses. A joint initiative of the Micronutrient Initiative (MI) of Canada and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the information in this report will be useful for governments, public health authorities, national policy makers, and other stakeholders interested in preventing anemia and iron deficiency.