Pakistan faces a growing anaemia crisis that affects millions of children, adolescent girls, and women, resulting in a staggering economic loss exceeding $3 billion. According to Nutrition International’s latest Cost of Inaction (COI) report, the country’s productivity and human capital are being significantly impacted, with children alone accounting for $2.5 billion in annual losses, and women and adolescent girls adding another $595 million.
The report highlights that 53% of children aged 6-59 months suffer from anaemia, with over 2.8 million new cases every year. Pakistan ranks second in South Asia and 39th globally in child anaemia prevalence. For women and adolescent girls, the situation is equally alarming, with 41.3% affected by the condition. Pakistan ranks fourth in South Asia and 35th globally for anaemia in this group, with over 23.9 million new cases annually, including 918,154 among pregnant women.
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Dr. Shabina Raza, country director for Nutrition International, emphasized the long-term consequences of anaemia, particularly its effect on cognitive development and productivity. “Anaemia is a major public health challenge in Pakistan, affecting school achievement and work output, which in turn hampers the country’s economic growth,” she said.
The World Health Assembly aims to reduce anaemia prevalence by 50% by 2025, but Pakistan faces significant challenges in achieving this goal. The report underscores that iron deficiency, the primary cause of anaemia, continues to undermine maternal health and overall productivity, representing not only a health crisis but also an economic burden the country cannot afford to overlook.
