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Hidden Anaemia Threatens Millions of Mothers
12 Sep
Summary
- Anaemia is a hidden contributor to severe postpartum hemorrhage.
- Multiple micronutrient supplements offer greater benefits than iron alone.
- Integrating MMS into antenatal care shows significant health improvements.
Maternal deaths from pregnancy complications remain a global crisis, with progress stalling due to reduced international aid. A significant, yet often ignored, contributor to severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is anaemia.
Research indicates that anaemia may be responsible for half of severe PPH cases in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. While iron and folic acid supplements have been the standard, experts advocate for multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS).
Modelling suggests that replacing iron and folic acid with MMS could prevent millions of low-birthweight births and stillbirths over five years. MMS also reduces maternal anaemia at term and the incidence of small newborns.
Governments in Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Nigeria, and Pakistan have committed to integrating MMS into their national antenatal care systems. This approach, costing as little as $2 per woman, yields substantial health and economic benefits.
Sierra Leone's experience demonstrates significant reductions in infant mortality and stillbirths with MMS. While MMS is most effective with comprehensive care, its adoption is seen as a crucial step towards improving maternal and newborn health worldwide.
