When fatigue doesn’t go away, it might be anemia – 6abc Philadelphia

Report on Anemia and its Intersection with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Anemia as a Global Health Challenge

Anemia is a medical condition characterized by an insufficient number of red blood cells to adequately transport oxygen to the body’s tissues. This impairment directly affects an individual’s quality of life and overall health, presenting a significant obstacle to achieving global health and development targets. The prevalence of anemia, particularly among vulnerable populations, underscores its importance as a public health issue that intersects with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Anemia’s Direct Impact on SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being)

The diagnosis and management of anemia are fundamental to achieving SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. The condition places a significant strain on cardiovascular and neurological systems, and its symptoms can severely diminish an individual’s capacity to lead a productive life. Failure to address anemia undermines progress toward universal health coverage.

Common Symptoms Impeding Well-being

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Racing heart or palpitations
• Headaches

The subtle nature of these symptoms often leads to them being dismissed, delaying diagnosis and treatment and further compromising individual health outcomes.

The Link Between Anemia, Nutrition, and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger)

A primary driver of anemia is nutritional deficiency, which directly connects the condition to SDG 2, aimed at ending hunger and all forms of malnutrition. Addressing nutritional gaps is a sustainable, long-term strategy for preventing and treating many cases of anemia.

Causative Factors and Nutritional Solutions

• Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of iron, B12, and folic acid is a common cause.
• Chronic Diseases: Kidney and liver diseases, more prevalent in older adults, can lead to anemia.
• Blood Loss: Conditions such as intestinal cancer, ulcers, or inflammation from overuse of painkillers (aspirin, ibuprofen) can be underlying causes.
• Dietary Interventions: A diet rich in leafy vegetables like spinach and broccoli can help resolve deficiencies over time.

Addressing Inequalities: Anemia in Vulnerable Populations (SDG 5 & SDG 10)

Anemia disproportionately affects specific demographic groups, highlighting its connection to SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Women of childbearing age and seniors are identified as high-risk populations. Addressing anemia within these groups is crucial for promoting gender equality, ensuring the health of older persons, and reducing health disparities.

Diagnostic and Treatment Pathways for Sustainable Health Outcomes

Effective and accessible diagnostic procedures are essential for managing anemia and advancing public health goals. A structured approach ensures that the root cause is identified, allowing for targeted and effective treatment.

1. Initial Assessment: Consultation to review persistent, often subtle, symptoms.
2. Primary Diagnosis: A basic blood test is administered to measure Hemoglobin levels and Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), which indicates the size of red blood cells. A hemoglobin level below 11 is a key indicator of anemia.
3. Advanced Analysis: Further testing may be required to pinpoint the specific cause, from nutritional deficiencies to chronic disease.

Treatment often involves nutritional supplements or dietary changes, with clinical and symptomatic improvements potentially taking up to three months to manifest. Early intervention is critical to mitigate long-term health complications.

Analysis of the Article in Relation to Sustainable Development Goals

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

• The article directly connects the health issue of anemia to nutritional deficiencies. It states that one cause of anemia is a lack of essential nutrients like “B12,” “iron,” and “folic acid.” This links the discussion to the broader goal of ending all forms of malnutrition.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• The primary focus of the article is on anemia, a medical condition that “can affect the whole quality of life.” It discusses the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of a specific health problem, and highlights its prevalence in vulnerable groups like “women of childbearing age and seniors.” The article also links anemia to other “chronic diseases, such as kidney, liver diseases,” which falls under the scope of ensuring healthy lives.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

• Target 2.2: By 2030, end all forms of malnutrition, including achieving, by 2025, the internationally agreed targets on stunting and wasting in children under 5 years of age, and address the nutritional needs of adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating women and older persons.
  • The article’s focus on anemia caused by “nutritional deficiencies” directly relates to this target. It specifically mentions two of the key demographic groups identified in the target: “women of childbearing age” and “seniors” (older adults). The recommended treatment through diet, such as consuming “leafy vegetables that are high in iron, B12, and folic acid,” is a direct strategy to combat this form of malnutrition.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
  • The article links anemia to several non-communicable diseases, stating that “Older adults are at higher risk of having these chronic diseases, such as kidney, liver diseases.” It also mentions “intestinal cancer” as a potential cause. Furthermore, the warning that “anemia puts a significant strain on the heart” connects it to cardiovascular health. The emphasis on diagnosis and treatment aligns with the “prevention and treatment” aspect of this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Indicators for SDG 2, Target 2.2

• Prevalence of anemia: The article directly discusses anemia as a “common condition,” particularly among “women of childbearing age.” This aligns with the official SDG indicator 2.2.3: Prevalence of anaemia in women of reproductive age (aged 15-49 years). The article also implies how this is measured, through a “basic blood test looking for Hemoglobin,” and even provides a diagnostic threshold: “Anything less than 11 is concerning for anemia.”

Indicators for SDG 3, Target 3.4

• Prevalence of underlying chronic diseases: While the article does not provide statistics, it implies that the rate of anemia can be an indicator of the burden of underlying non-communicable diseases. It lists “kidney, liver diseases,” “intestinal cancer,” and “ulcers” as causes. Therefore, tracking anemia cases that are secondary to these conditions can serve as a proxy measure for the prevalence and impact of these chronic illnesses within the population.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: 6abc.com