Breaking the Cycle of Anaemia in Pakistan

Anaemia has emerged as a silent but devastating health crisis in Pakistan. Research shows that every second woman in the country suffers from this condition, with iron deficiency being the most common cause.

Among women aged 15 to 49, nearly 41 percent face blood deficiency. Each year, more than 900,000 pregnant women are affected, leading to serious complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and shortness of breath have become routine complaints for millions of women.

The problem is compounded by Pakistan’s high fertility rate and short gaps between pregnancies. Poor nutrition and limited access to healthcare drain women’s physical reserves, leaving them vulnerable. In many households, mothers prioritize feeding their families but neglect their own nutritional needs, worsening the crisis.

Anaemia does not stop with mothers. Pakistan ranks second in South Asia for child anaemia, with 2.8 million children diagnosed annually. Babies born to anaemic mothers are often underweight, face frequent illnesses, and struggle with learning difficulties. This creates a cycle of poor health that passes from one generation to the next.

Medical experts stress that awareness and better nutrition are key to breaking this cycle. Iron supplements, improved diets, and accessible family planning services can help reduce the burden. Addressing anaemia is not just a medical challenge—it is a social issue tied to poverty, population growth, and lack of planning.

By easing population pressures and ensuring women have access to adequate food and healthcare, Pakistan can build stronger mothers, healthier children, and a more resilient future.