Global nutrition targets 2030: anaemia brief

Overview

Anaemia impairs health and well-being in women and increases the risk of maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes. The determinants of anaemia are multi-faceted and context-specific, ranging from nutritional deficiencies, chronic diseases, inflammation, infections, gynaecological and obstetric conditions, and inherited red blood cell disorders.

As of 2023, the prevalence of anaemia in women 15-49 years of age has remained stagnant at 30.7% compared to the 2012 baseline of 27.6%. The world is clearly not on track to achieve the original target of achieving a 50% reduction by 2025. During the 78th World Health Assembly, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Member States passed a resolution to extend the target for five more years to 2030, during which time actors can intensify attention to, investment in, and actions for reducing the prevalence of anaemia. The purpose of this brief is to highlight the interventions and policies needed to achieve the extended target by 2030.