Iron deficiency on the rise: WHO warns of 15% increase in anaemia among African youth
Image: Amornthep Srina/pexels
Anaemia is quietly but significantly affecting the lives of millions of young people worldwide, and South Africa is no exception.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), nearly one-quarter of the global population suffers from anaemia, with adolescent girls being the most vulnerable.
In sub-Saharan Africa, anaemia rates among teenagers have surged by 15% over the past decade, with about 40% of adolescent girls affected.
This isn't just a number, it's a growing health crisis with profound consequences for young people's energy, focus, and future. South African teens, already navigating the challenges of rapid growth, academic pressure, and physical activity, are particularly at risk.
Anaemia is preventable and treatable if we can recognise the signs and take action. What's behind the rise in teen anaemia?
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Limited access to iron-rich foods like red meat, leafy greens, and fortified cereals is a major contributor.
Image: Maarten van den Heuve/pexels
For many South African teens, the root causes of anaemia lie in a combination of factors, including:
Poor nutrition
Limited access to iron-rich foods like red meat, leafy greens, and fortified cereals is a major contributor. For some, it's due to poverty; for others, it's a lack of awareness about dietary needs.
Heavy menstruation
Many teenage girls lose significant amounts of iron during their periods, which can lead to chronic deficiency if not addressed.
Rapid growth
Adolescents experience a surge in physical development, increasing their body's demand for iron. Stress and physical activity
Whether it's school exams or sports, the demands placed on teenagers' bodies often exceed their available iron stores. When the body doesn't have enough iron to produce haemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in the blood, everything from brain function to physical stamina suffers.
How anaemia impacts everyday life
For South African teens, anaemia is more than just a health issue, it's a barrier to living a full and active life.
When the body doesn't have enough iron to produce haemoglobin the protein that carries oxygen in the blood everything from brain function to physical stamina suffers.
Image: Pavel Danilyuk /pexels
How anaemia impacts everyday life
For South African teens, anaemia is more than just a health issue, it's a barrier to living a full and active life.
Fatigue: Imagine trying to focus in class or give your best on the sports field when you're constantly exhausted.
Poor concentration: Anaemia affects cognitive function, making it harder to retain information or stay alert during lessons.
Emotional struggles: Low iron levels can contribute to anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
Physical symptoms: From headaches and pale skin to brittle nails and hair loss, anaemia's effects are visible and often distressing. Left untreated, severe cases of iron deficiency anaemia can lead to life-threatening complications, including heart failure and damage to vital organs.
A local solution: the 'Iron It Out' campaign
In response to this growing crisis, two South African healthcare professionals, Sister Karin Davidson of the Cape Town Infusion Centre and Sister Pippa Hime of The Infusion Room, have launched a national awareness campaign called Iron It Out.
This grassroots initiative is designed to educate teens, parents, and caregivers about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of anaemia. 'Iron deficiency anaemia is a silent epidemic robbing teens of their energy, focus, and potential,' says Davidson.
'What makes it worse is that it's entirely preventable and treatable with proper awareness and intervention.'
Recognising the symptoms
One of the key messages of the Iron It Out campaign is that fatigue and exhaustion are not normal.
Teens, parents, and teachers need to be on the lookout for these common but often overlooked symptoms of anaemia: Persistent tiredness or mental fog.
Mouth ulcers, hair loss, or brittle nails.
Headaches, pale skin, and shortness of breath.
Restless legs, cravings for non-food items (pica), and cold intolerance.
'Low iron stores can affect every part of a teen's life, from their physical health to their mental well-being,' explains Sister Hime.
'We want young people to understand that these symptoms are not just 'part of being a teenager' they're warning signs that your body needs help.'
What 'Iron It Out' offers
The campaign is bringing much-needed awareness and resources to South African teens. Key elements of the initiative include:
1. School workshops: Interactive sessions led by healthcare professionals to educate teens about anaemia and how to prevent it.
2. Health screenings: In partnership with clinics and mobile health units, the campaign offers easy access to iron testing.
3. Symptom tracker tools: A practical tracker helps teens identify potential warning signs early.
4. Community outreach: By working with parents, teachers, and caregivers, the campaign ensures the message reaches every corner of South Africa. Anaemia isn't just a health issue, it's a quality-of-life issue.
For South African teens, correcting iron deficiency could mean better grades, improved athletic performance, and an overall happier, healthier life.
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