Dhaka: From adolescent girls to pregnant women, anemia continues to pose a serious public health challenge in Bangladesh, driven by malnutrition, menstrual complications, early pregnancy and lack of awareness, health experts say.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Afsana Rakhi, a 35-year-old cashier at a shopping outlet, exemplifies the struggle many women face. Despite her urban education, she suffers from dizziness, weakness, loss of appetite, and cold extremities throughout the year. A sudden episode of non-menstrual bleeding led to her hospitalization, where she was diagnosed with anemia caused by endometriosis, a complex uterine disease. This condition, along with others like polymenorrhea and dysfunctional uterine bleeding, exacerbates blood loss and anemia among women in Bangladesh.
The National Nutrition Institute reports that 28.9 percent of Bangladeshi women aged 12 to 49 suffer from anemia, with the rate among pregnant women at 37 percent. Disparities exist between urban and rural women, with 31 percent of urban and 44 percent of rural women affected. Anemia, characterized by low hemoglobin levels, predominantly affects women due to menstruation, lactation, and pregnancy.
According to the World Health Organization, anemia affects 30 percent of women aged 15 to 49 and 37 percent of pregnant women globally. Dr. Lelin Chowdhury, a public health expert, explains that menstruation and diseases like endometriosis increase blood loss, necessitating iron-rich diets to prevent anemia. Pregnant and breastfeeding women require additional iron due to increased blood volume and nutritional needs.
Dr. Chowdhury emphasizes the importance of providing women with nutritious, iron-rich foods and timely treatment for women’s diseases. He advocates for deworming medicine and the use of free iron tablets available at community clinics. Despite growing awareness, poverty and superstition deter many women from seeking healthcare.
In an article, Dr. Israt Jabin, Assistant Professor at Green Life Medical College, highlights the global prevalence of anemia among women, primarily due to iron deficiency. Additional nutritional needs during pregnancy, malnutrition, chronic diseases, and hereditary blood disorders contribute to anemia. She recommends iron-rich foods and supplements, particularly for pregnant women, to mitigate health risks.
Health experts identify anemia symptoms including extreme weakness, pale skin, breathlessness, and heart palpitations. Diagnosing and addressing the underlying causes under medical supervision is crucial. In severe cases, blood transfusions may be necessary. Experts also call for increased investment in nutrition to combat childhood malnutrition, adolescent pregnancy, and anemia in Bangladesh.
A recent report by Nutrition International suggests that Bangladesh could save over US$13 billion by investing in stunting and anemia prevention. The report emphasizes the integration of nutrition with other sectors and the allocation of funds for iron and folic acid tablets for female students.
Statistics from 2023-2025 indicate that 37-40 percent of Bangladeshi women of reproductive age suffer from anemia, with rates nearly reaching 50 percent among pregnant women. The prevalence is notably higher among less educated women, with early marriage and frequent pregnancies contributing to the issue.
Experts urge the consumption of iron and vitamin C-rich foods and recommend iron and folic acid supplements for women of reproductive age. Addressing anemia is vital to reducing health risks such as premature birth, low birth weight, and impaired development among adolescents.