Addressing anemia is foundational for empowering women, their families, communities, and nations. More than one in three women suffer from anemia globally – resulting in increased risk of infections and death, lower cognition, extreme fatigue, poor pregnancy outcomes, loss of earnings and lower growth and development for babies and children.  Prior to COVID-19, no country was on track to meet global WHO/WHA targets for anemia reduction by 2025. By 2022, an additional 4.8 million mothers are expected to be impacted by anemia.

Achieving rapid progress in the coming decade requires coordinated, accelerated as well as the right actions from a diverse set of stakeholders. A cross-sector Alliance for Anemia Actions, a UN Food Systems solution, brings together the food, health, social protection, and environmental sectors to accelerate progress in science, policies, and programs to achieve the SDG 2 Anemia Reduction Target (50%) by 2030.   

The Alliance provides a platform to learn from countries and leverage the experience and expertise of leading initiatives on anemia reduction. By driving a living research and learning agenda it will connect evidence to more impactful actions through multiple sectors. The Anemia Alliance also represents a concrete vehicle for change and bridge from the Year to the Decade of Action for Nutrition.