ABSTRACT
Objectives: Weekly iron-folic acid supplementation (WIFS) and regular deworming for women of reproductive age (WRA) is an effective way of preventing anaemia and iron deficiency in a population but long-term sustainability is challenging. The objectives of this study were to: 1) Determeine the effectiveness of a free WIFS and biannual deworming program for WRA that has been implemented in rural Vietnam for six years. 2) Assess compliance and identify challenges and barriers to ongoing sustainability. Methods: In July 2012, we conducted a follow-up survey in this rural mountainous province to evaluate haematological parameters (haemoglobin and ferritin), soil transmitted helminth burden and compliance in a cohort of women first recruited in 2005, and who have had access to an externally funded WIFS/deworming program since May 2006. Results: Of the original cohort of 389, 256 (65.8%) women attended the survey. Mean haemoglobin had increased to from 122 g/L [95% C.I. 120, 124] to 135g/L [95% C.I. 133g/L, 138g/L] and anaemia prevalence reduced from 37.8% [95% C.I. 31.0%, 44.7%] to 14.3% [95% C.I. 9.5%, 19.1%]. The prevalence of hookworm infection was lower at 10.2% [95% C.I. 5.4%, 15.0%]. Seventy two per cent of survey participants continued to take the weekly supplements regularly. Without further support the WIFS program will cease in 2014. Conclusions: Anaemia rates continued to fall duringr the six year period, and soil transmitted helminth infections have been eliminated as a public health risk. Complianace was well maintained but sustainability is a major challenge. The issues surrounding long term sustainability of WIFS for WRA will be discussed.