In developing countries of Asia and Africa the prevalence of anemia ranges from 45 to 76 percent. Weaning
infants, adolescent girls and women of reproductive age are at particular risk of iron-deficiency anemia (IDA), the
predominant form, mainly due to malnutrition. Since the risk of irreversible cognitive and growth impairment
increases with iron deficiency, iron supplementation is needed in appropriate doses during critical stages of
development. CARE's Appropriate Solutions for Anemia Control Project aims to identify how to cost-effectively
prevent and treat anemia in children, adolescents and women. Studies show that effective approaches to treat and
prevent IDA include: 1) pharmacological supplementation (FeSO4 drops/capsules); 2) food-based strategies (diet
diversification, iron pots, fortified foods, home-fortification), and; 3) public health interventions to treat other conditions
such as infections, diarrhea and malnutrition. In Benin, the project has a specific objective to determine if irons pots
or iron bars can help decrease the anemia rate among the target groups. The suitability of iron pots/bars and of
Sprinkles (a powdered iron supplement for children) will be tested and the sustainability of interventions determined
from focus group discussions and in-country desk studies. CARE plans to develop a cost-effective strategy to reach
a population of about 100,000.
