School children listening to lectures on Iron Deficiency Anaemia during the event.jpg

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

The Kano state chapter of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) has intensified its campaign against the growing cases of Iron Deficiency anaemia (IDA) in Kano, describing it as a dangerous trend that needs to be curbed urgently.

MWAN raised the concern during a sensitization awareness campaign it organized at Government Girls College, Kano, on Wednesday.

The event was organized in collaboration with the National Committee on Adolescent Health  (NCAH) and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

The sensitization awareness was part of this year’s World Day of Iron Deficiency Anaemia with themes: “Iron for Maternal Survival: Combating Iron Deficiency to Prevent Post Partum Haemorrhage,” held at the school premises.

Speaking during the event,  the chairperson of Kano state Chapter of the NWAN, Dr. Halima Adamu said the association decided to organise the awareness campaign as part of its contributions to prevent such disease, especially among younger girls in the state.

Dr Halima Adamu described iron deficiency as one of the foremost contributors to disease burden around the world, predominantly affecting the young. Children (mainly under 5 years), premenopausal women and population groups from low and middle-income countries.

She added that a systematic review investigated children and iron deficiency and the results found the global prevalence of iron deficiency to mostly underdeveloped nations.

She called on the relevant stakeholders in the health sector and government at all levels to work collectively to prevent the disease across the country.

In her presentation, the Guest Speaker at the occasion, Dr. Nafisa Sidi Sani said efforts have been intensified,  especially, in various aspects of awareness aimed at preventing the disease.

She assured that with the support from the stakeholders and private sectors, as well as, governments, the sky will be their limit.

She said: “Anaemia is only one of the many consequences resulting from being iron deficient. Over 1.2 billion people worldwide were diagnosed in 2016 with iron deficiency anaemia, and it is among the five highest causes of years lived with disability.

“Iron deficiency anaemia can cause a fast or abnormal heartbeat, which means the heart has to pump harder to ensure there is enough oxygen in the blood. This may lead to an enlarged heart or heart failure.”

In her vote of thanks, the Vice Principal of the school,  Malama Maimuna Bashir applauded the organiser’s efforts in this regard.

Malama Maimuna Bashir assured that the students definitely would put what they learnt into practice in order to improve and sustain their health.

Highlights of the event include the distribution of shoes, drugs and pamphlets to the students donated by the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria.

(School children  listening to lectures on Iron Deficiency Anaemia during the event