Abstract

SELVA SUAREZ, Lisett Nancy  and  OCHOA ALONSO, Alcides Abad. Actions for prevention and control of iron-deficiency anemia in up to five-years old children. Rev Cubana Salud Pública [online]. 2011, vol.37, n.3, pp. 200-206. ISSN 0864-3466.

Iron deficiency is the most extended specific lack of micronutrients and the main cause of anemia in infants, boys and girls up to five years of age, particularly those aged under 24 months. The Eastern provinces exhibit the highest prevalence with almost absolute predominance of mild cases. The objective of this study is to show the sequential implementation of three projects that are jointly carried out by Cuban bodies and organizations and UN agencies, with a view to reducing anemia in boys and girls aged up to five years. The implementation of these projects had a social marketing approach. Quantitative and qualitative methods and the triangulation of their results were used. All the projects included training of key actors in healthy feeding, nutrition and prevention of anemia as well as extensive educational work with the families. Two projects delivered an iron-fortified foodstuff and the other one distributed an unprecedented tangible product known as powdered micronutrients "Sprinkles". The actions undertaken in Holguin province to implement the three projects and the evaluating criteria were described. After the intervention, it is expected that the capacities for prevention and control of anemia in the 14 municipalities of this province be strengthened and the frequency of anemia in the target group in "Calixto García" municipality be reduced.

Keywords : Iron deficiency; anemia; prevention and control; social marketing; nutritional education; training; powdered nutrients; Sprinkles.

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