A community public health programme to control iron-deficiency anemia through iron-fortification of drinking water

On a global basic, an estimated 2 billion people are iron deficient or anaemic with small children and child bearing age women most likely to be affected. In Brazil a recent 2009 meta-analysis of anaemia considered it to be a serious public health problem affecting 53% of children under 5 years. Fortification and supplementation of food can make and important contribution to the reduction of iron anaemia. Our studies on anaemia and iron fortification of drinking water showed a large prevalence of anaemia among under 5 children attending day-care institutions. After 3 to 6 months drinking iron fortified water it was shown a decrease of anaemic children. It was shown that the iron fortification of drinking water can be considered an easy and practical way to supply iron to children at community level. It is a vehicle available everywhere. It is consumed everyday by everyone, has a much lower price than any other iron food carrier and/or pharmaceutical supplements. The water may be easily fortified locally, the iron sulfate is low-priced and used in small amounts with highly bioavailable iron. Its effectiveness was scientifically shown and was strategically supported by the Community, the Public Health Workers and got Municipal Government approval and support.