World Anemia Awareness Day Date in the current year: February 13, 2025

Anemia is a blood disorder in which the blood has a reduced ability to carry oxygen for one reason or another: low red blood cell counts, low hemoglobin levels, or hemoglobin abnormalities that impair its ability to carry oxygen. Common symptoms include tiredness, weakness, headaches, shortness of breath, cold hands and feet, and decreased ability to perform physical work and exercise. Symptoms of acute anemia may include lightheadedness, confusion, increased thirst, and loss of consciousness.

There are a variety of causes of anemia, which can be divided into five major groups: blood loss (from bleeding or blood donation), fluid overload (hypervolemia), decreased production of red blood cells, increased breakdown of red blood cells, and gastrointestinal disorders. Decreased blood cell production can be caused by iron, folate, or vitamin B12 deficiency, bone marrow tumors, and thalassemia. Causes of increased red blood cell breakdown include certain infections, autoimmune diseases, and genetic disorders. The most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency.

Anemia is the most common blood disorder and a serious global health problem affecting approximately a quarter of the global population, with the most vulnerable groups being children, pregnant and postpartum women, and menstruating adolescent girls and women. The WHO estimates that 40% of pregnant women and 42% of children under the age of 5 worldwide are anemic.

Treatment of anemia depends on its cause and severity. For example, iron deficiency anemia is treated with oral iron supplements in mild to moderate cases, or parenteral iron supplementation if iron levels need to be increased rapidly. Similarly, vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is treated with vitamin B12 injections. If anemia is caused by an underlying condition, such as an infection or chronic disease, the underlying condition should also be treated or managed.

Some types of anemia can be prevented by eating a healthy and varied diet that includes foods rich in iron, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and other nutrients. It is also recommended to avoid combining iron-rich foods with foods that slow down iron absorption, such as coffee, tea, cocoa, and grains.

World Anemia Awareness Day was created in 2022 by the Society for the Advancement of Patient Blood Management (SABM) and Human Touch Media Foundation in response to the global problem of iron deficiency and anemia, which primarily affects women and children. The date of February 13 was chosen to represent the ideal hemoglobin level for optimal blood health – 13.

The primary goals of World Anemia Awareness Day are to raise awareness of anemia and iron deficiency and to promote the importance of preventive measures to support blood health. Each year, the awareness campaign focuses on a specific theme. Past themes have included “The Best Blood Is Your Blood”, “Raise Your Hands for Blood Health”, and more.