Expert: Anemia in Children Cannot Be Underestimated

Anemia in children is a chronic health problem.

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Handling Covid-19 is still a priority for public health policies, both in Indonesia and at the global level. However, other health problems, especially children’s health, should not be ignored.

Founder and Chairman of the Health Collaborative Center, Ray Wagiu Basrowi, said that one of the health conditions of children that should not be underestimated is anemia. Mainly, iron deficiency anemia.

According to Ray, anemia in children is a chronic health problem that poses a serious threat to the nation’s future. He highlighted that this condition has been happening for decades in Indonesian children.

Pandemic conditions can make dealing with health problems even more difficult. A scientific article written by Ray and four colleagues found that the prevalence of anemia the highest was found in children aged 6-11 months (42.3 percent).

Article entitled “Diet Determinants Anemia in Children Ages 6–36 Months: Cross-Sectional Studies in Indonesia” has been published in the journal Nutrient. Ray said that the data in the article was obtained during the pandemic.

“That is, it is possible that the focus of health services during the pandemic to overcome Covid-19 could have an impact on the lack of focus on the prevention aspect to handling through intervention nutrition for anemia,” Ray said in his official statement.

Anemia is a condition when red blood cell count lower than normal levels. The number of people with anemia worldwide reaches 2.3 billion people and 50 percent of them are caused by Iron Deficiency Anemia (ADB).

As many as 85 percent of people with anemia are allegedly women and children. Ray said the condition of anemia was influenced by the lack of fulfillment of the main nutrients. Anemia in children also contributes to poor motor and cognitive development.

Iron is important for the growth of the central nervous system, especially during the first year. Children are at risk lack of red blood cells higher because they need balanced nutrition to grow.

“Consumption of iron-rich foods needs to be considered. Iron deficiency is a common cause of anemia in children under five years old,” said Ray, who often shares online education through his account. Instagram @ray.w.basrowi.a

– .