Iron deficiency anaemia among children and pregnant women in the Arab Gulf countries: the need for action.

Anaemia, especially iron deficiency anaemia, has been considered one of the main public health problems in the Arab Gulf countries. This paper explores the magnitude of the problem and factors that contribute to the high prevalence of anaemia in these countries. The prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia among preschool children ranged from 20% to 67%, while that among school children ranged from 12.6% to 50%. The percentage of pregnant women who suffered from this anaemia ranged from 22.7% to 54%. Infant feeding practices, food habits, parasitic infection, parity, early age at marriage, and geographical location are among the most important factors associated with iron deficiency anaemia in this region. Programmes to prevent and control this anaemia, are urgently needed.