Global data, including for Albania, have been published in the latest UNICEF report, which assesses global and regional progress in meeting the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal for the nutrition of children under 5 and other age groups of the population.
For the reduction of anemia in women, the latest data is reflected for 2023 compared to 2012.
According to the report, Albania has suffered a deterioration, with a 5% increase in anemia cases from 2012 to 2023. This places the country in the category of countries that have not made progress towards the objectives set by the United Nations.
The global average of women with anemia is 31%. In Central and Eastern Europe the average is 21%. Albania is above this average with 25%.
There has also been a deterioration in data for many other Balkan and European countries. In Montenegro, the number of women with anemia increased from 21% in 2012 to 26% in 2023. In North Macedonia, the number of women with anemia increased from 17% to 22%. In Serbia, from 21% to 25%. In Croatia, from 20% to 23%.
In Greece, the percentage of women with anemia has also increased from 12 to 16. In Italy, the number of women suffering from anemia is 16% in 2023, up from 12% in 2012. The ratio has also worsened in this country. In France, the number of women suffering from anemia was 8% in 2012, while in 2023 it reached 13%.
Even on a global scale, there has been a deterioration in indicators in the last decade, where the average number of women suffering from anemia rose from 28% in 2012 to 31% in 2023.
Last year, the Institute of Public Health (IPH) provided a series of tips for preventing and treating this health condition, which particularly affects women, young children, and people with long-term illnesses.
According to the IPH, treatment depends on the type and severity of anemia. In most uncomplicated cases, anemia is treated with dietary changes and iron supplements.
To help restore hemoglobin levels, the IHP advised consuming iron-rich foods, such as meat, eggs, liver, sesame, berries, and beans./Monitor
