Leave anemia behind : anemia awareness campaign

Abstract

Anemia has been a serious public health problem affecting the population worldwide. Studies conducted in Lebanon also revealed a high incidence of anemia. Furthermore, it was reported that the most vulnerable are children, and women of childbearing age. Anemia not only put patient health at great risk, but also it affects other issues related to public health. For instance, a pregnant woman who is anemic runs the danger of giving birth to a newborn who is underweight. An anemic child has the risk to become obese due to the sedentary lifestyle which is caused from lack of energy. Also, a child being anemic can affect their cognitive and physical development which has an impact on their academic achievement. Adults with anemia who have little energy will find it more difficult to be productive at work, which will impact their social and economic situation. An evaluation of the efficacy of the anemia awareness campaign across eighteen primary health care clinics was conducted in Lebanon in 2012. The number of newly diagnosed instances of iron deficiency anemia in children under the age of one has clearly decreased. In 2010, 37% of infants had anemia versus 27% in 2013 (UNRWA,2013). In the campaign, “Leave Anemia Behind” educate people about the disease’s risk factors, signs/symptoms, prevention and available treatment options. The campaign managed to convey key messages of anemia seriousness, its prevention and management of the disease through pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, and its early detection through signs and symptoms and lab test. The intern aim is to increase anemia awareness, to reduce the prevalence of anemia, to ensure access to healthcare for anemic patients, to encourage early detection of anemic patients and to promote Nutritious modifications that play a great role in preventing anemia. The intern objective is to map the gynecology clinics in Beirut, to assess KAP toward anemia of participants before awareness sessions and after awareness sessions, to conduct awareness session, to distribute educational material, and to draw the participants’ attention on telehealth