Treatment for women with postpartum iron-deficiency anaemia
RHL practical aspects by Huertas E
FIRST CONTACT (PRIMARY CARE) LEVEL
In places where postpartum iron-deficiency anaemia is prevalent, as in under-resourced settings, oral iron therapy must be assured. An efficient distribution system for regular supply of drugs to this level will need to be worked out.
REFERRAL HOSPITAL (SECONDARY CARE) LEVEL
The same strategy could be applied to women attending health-care services at this level, except in cases of very severe anaemia (Hb < 5 g/dL) where blood transfusion must be considered.
AT HOME OR IN THE COMMUNITY
Clearly, there is a need to make known to people, especially women, how to improve iron intake through daily foods. Public awareness campaigns for this purpose should be undertaken at the community level keeping in mind the local culture. Food fortification is another mechanism to reduce iron deficiency (1, 2).
References
- Nestel P. Food fortification in developing countries Washington, DC. US Agency for International Development 1993;1993.
- Beard J. Iron fortification in Venezuela. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1996;972–973.
This document should be cited as: Huertas E. Treatment for women with postpartum iron-deficiency anaemia: RHL practical aspects (last revised: 20 February 2006). The WHO Reproductive Health Library; Geneva: World Health Organization.