Anaemia remains a significant global health challenge, affecting over 500 million people worldwide, particularly women and children in low- and middle-income countries. The condition, characterized by a deficiency in red blood cells or hemoglobin, leads to reduced oxygen transport in the body, resulting in fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and, in severe cases, complications in pregnancy and childhood development. Despite ongoing efforts to address anaemia through nutrition, supplementation, and public health interventions, gaps in measurement, diagnosis, and reporting continue to hinder progress. Improving these areas is essential for effective policy-making, resource allocation, and patient outcomes.
Reliable measurement of anaemia prevalence is the foundation of any intervention strategy. Currently, haemoglobin concentration in blood is the standard measure for diagnosing anaemia, with thresholds defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, variations in testing methods, environmental factors such as altitude, and biological differences across populations can affect haemoglobin levels, leading to misclassification of cases.
To address these challenges, there is a need to standardize and improve the accuracy of haemoglobin testing. Point-of-care devices, such as non-invasive spectroscopic analyzers and portable haemoglobinometers, are showing promise in improving measurement accuracy, particularly in remote and resource-limited settings. These technologies reduce dependency on laboratory-based testing, making screening more accessible.
Another critical aspect of measurement is the inclusion of biomarkers beyond haemoglobin, such as ferritin (a marker of iron stores) and soluble transferrin receptor (a measure of iron demand). These indicators help differentiate between iron-deficiency anaemia and other types caused by chronic diseases, inflammation, or genetic disorders like sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia. Integrating multiple biomarkers into routine assessments can provide a more comprehensive understanding of anaemia’s causes and guide targeted interventions.
Accurate and early diagnosis is essential for timely treatment of anaemia. However, in many healthcare systems, particularly in developing countries, diagnosis is often based on symptoms rather than laboratory confirmation, leading to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatments. For instance, iron-deficiency anaemia is commonly assumed to be the primary cause, resulting in unnecessary iron supplementation for individuals with anaemia caused by chronic infections or genetic conditions.
Strengthening diagnostic capacity requires investments in healthcare infrastructure, training for healthcare workers, and access to affordable laboratory tests. Point-of-care diagnostics, which allow rapid haemoglobin and iron status assessments, should be integrated into routine maternal and child health services. Additionally, guidelines on anaemia diagnosis should be updated to incorporate differential diagnosis strategies, ensuring that treatment is tailored to the underlying cause.
Data collection and reporting are crucial for tracking anaemia trends, evaluating intervention effectiveness, and guiding policy decisions. However, many countries lack robust surveillance systems for anaemia, resulting in fragmented and inconsistent data. Integrating anaemia monitoring into existing public health surveillance programs, such as nutrition and maternal health programs, can improve data quality and coverage.
Digital health technologies, such as electronic medical records and mobile health applications, can enhance real-time data collection and analysis. Governments and health organizations should also promote open access to anaemia data, allowing researchers and policymakers to develop evidence-based interventions.
Combatting anaemia requires a multi-faceted approach that includes improving measurement accuracy, enhancing diagnostic capabilities, and strengthening data collection and reporting. By leveraging innovative technologies, investing in healthcare infrastructure, and promoting standardized protocols, countries can make significant progress in reducing anaemia prevalence and improving public health outcomes.
