Anaemia

Nature

Anaemia, sometimes known as blood deficiency, is defined as a condition in which the concentration of haemoglobin is below the level that is normal for a given individual. It is associated with a group of diseases whose primary characteristic is a reduction in the (1) amount of haemoglobin in the red blood cells (erythrocytes), and/or (2) the number of erythrocytes per unit volume of blood (for a person of a given age and sex), and/or (3) the total amount of blood in the organism. In any community in which anaemia is prevalent, the distribution of haemoglobin concentrations in anaemic persons overlaps that for persons with normal haemoglobin concentration.

Nutritional anaemia results from a deficiency in one or more essential nutrients, regardless of the cause of the deficiency. Anaemia can also be caused by parasitic diseases, the two chief culprits being intestinal parasites and malaria.

Anaemia causes pathological changes which result from disruption of the organism's oxygen supply; the degree of manifestation dependent upon the degree of anaemia and its developmental speed. The most important general symptoms of anaemia are weakness, pale skin colour, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a tendency to faint; the primary causes are loss of blood, impairment of blood formation, and increased destruction of blood.

Background

Anaemia emerged as a significant global health concern in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when widespread cases among industrial workers and pregnant women drew medical attention. Its prevalence in developing regions became evident through nutritional surveys and public health campaigns in the mid-20th century. International organizations, such as the WHO, began systematic monitoring in the 1970s, revealing anaemia’s persistent burden, especially among children and women, and prompting coordinated global intervention efforts.

Incidence

Anaemia is a frequent result of pregnancy and childbirth and as such is a prominent problem in developing countries where high-frequency pregnancies are standard.

In some parts of rural Africa, where women may expend as much as 85% of their daily energy intake fetching water, incidence and severity of anaemia increases during the dry season, when up to 63% of pregnant women and 40% of non-pregnant women are anaemic.

Claim

Anaemia is a critical public health crisis that demands urgent attention. Its widespread prevalence, especially among women and children, leads to fatigue, impaired cognitive development, and increased mortality. Ignoring anaemia perpetuates cycles of poverty and poor health, undermining entire communities. We cannot afford complacency—addressing anaemia must be a top priority for governments, healthcare providers, and society as a whole. The cost of inaction is simply too high.

Counter-claim

Frankly, anaemia is blown out of proportion. With modern diets and supplements, it’s hardly the crisis some make it out to be. Most cases are mild and easily managed—there are far more pressing health issues demanding attention and resources. Focusing on anaemia distracts from real, life-threatening conditions. It’s time we stop exaggerating its importance and prioritize genuine medical emergencies instead. Anaemia simply doesn’t deserve the spotlight it gets.