Study of iron deficiency anaemia among pregnant women in Belize

The prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia among pregnant women attending public prenatal clinics in Belize stands at 52 percent, ranging from 63 percent in Cayo Dsitrict to 32 percent in Orange Walk District. This was established by a study of 4661 women attending public health centers, carried out across the Country during the latter part of 1995. These results represents a 30 percent increase in the prevalence rate since a previous study was carried out in 1998

National iodine survey, Belize 1994-1995

Prior to this study, thers was no available information on the status of iodine deficiency disorders within the Belize population. There was also no knowledge of the availability or quality of iodized salt. It was assumed that Belize imported salt from neighbouring countries such as Mexico, Central American Countries, the United States, and the Caribbean Islands. Lack of information on availability of iodine in the diet and the status of iodine deficiency disorders (IID) in Belize Led to the formulation and implementation of this National Iodine Survey. This study was completed as a result of a collaborative effort between the Ministries of Health and Education