Iron for your health

Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron, are a major public health problem in several regions of Senegal, including Sédhiou. This region, marked by difficult socio-economic conditions and limited access to health and education services, has high rates of anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is often caused by a diet low in iron and a lack of nutritional knowledge. It affects girls' growth, concentration and performance at school. Evidence shows that in Sédhiou, 51.9% of women of childbearing age (15-49) suffer from anemia, compared with 54% nationally. Adolescence is a critical period in human development, when nutritional needs increase considerably. Insufficient iron intake can lead to chronic fatigue, reduced learning capacity and an increased risk of complications during future pregnancies. However, awareness of good dietary practices remains insufficient in the education system and within families.