Anaemia in the Caribbean

ABSTRACT

Low haemoglobin levels, due mainly to iron deficiency, are found throughout the member countries of the CFNI particularly among pre-school age children and pregnant women. Low household dietary intakes of iron are found, with the main dietary iron sources being from cereals or brown sugar. The significance of these findings are discussed and existing programmes to combat excessive anaemia outlined in relation to supplementation of diets, fortification of foods and nutrition education. The use of the specific gravity method in monitering haemoglobins in Jamaica is described. The considerations that should determine and then control the ill-effects due to anaemia are discussed in relation to recent recommendations of WHO and the International Anaemia Consultative Group. (summary)