Advancing Our Understanding of Anemia

Photo Credit: Karen Kasmauski/MCSP

Anemia, low levels of healthy red blood cells or the hemoglobin concentration within them, is a persistent public health problem that is of particular concern for women and young children. Anemia decreases the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells, impacting critical aspects of human function and development.

One reason anemia has remained a persistent challenge is that it is more complex than frequently assumed. Deficiencies of iron and other micronutrients, infections, and genetic disorders can all cause anemia.

Through the USAID Advancing Nutrition Anemia Task Force, a panel of nutrition experts summarized existing evidence. The resulting Journal of Nutrition supplement indicates preventing and controlling anemia requires understanding the leading causes of anemia in a given setting—and developing contextually-appropriate programs to address them.

Learn more

How We Understand Anemia Affects How Well We Address It

Anemia Briefs

Anemia Toolkit

Anemia Task Force Supplement

In Search of Better Anemia Estimates

Exploring the Anemia Ecology Webinar Series

USAID Advancing Nutrition will end in February 2024. Our work will continue through USAID's new projects Enhancing Nutrition Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning in the Health Sector (NuMERAL) and Enhancing Local Efforts for Vital, Transformative, and Evidence-Based Nutrition (ELEVATE). Ensure you continue to receive the latest multi-sectoral nutrition news and resources from USAID by subscribing .

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This communication is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. (JSI), and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States government.