Anaemia continues to be a widespread global public health problem, with the world falling short of the World Health Assembly’s (WHA) target to reduce anaemia by 50% by 2025. Thirty-seven percent of pregnant women and 40% of children aged 6-59 months are affected by anaemia worldwide. The disproportionate effects of anaemia on women and girls highlight significant gender inequalities and anaemia’s impact on productivity also makes it an economic issue.

The Micronutrient Forum provides support to the Anaemia Action Alliance under the leadership of the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF. This inclusive platform brings together national and global leaders, experts, and advocates from diverse sectors to accelerate and coordinate multisectoral actions on anaemia, as summarized in WHO’s Comprehensive framework for action: Accelerating anaemia reduction.

This framework underscores that anaemia is a complex condition with a myriad of causes. While iron deficiency is the most common, other factors include other nutritional deficiencies, infections, inflammation, gynaecological and obstetric conditions, and inherited red blood cell disorders. Given its complexity, a multisectoral approach is urgently needed to make progress towards the global target, building on existing interventions.