Anemia in African Women of Reproductive Age: A CrossRegional Study of Uganda and Nigeria

Mwende Wairimu G.

School of Natural and Applied Sciences Kampala International University Uganda

                                                                              ABSTRACT
Anemia among women of reproductive age remains a significant public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Uganda and Nigeria. This review examines the causes, consequences, and intervention strategies for anemia in these two countries, which have high prevalence rates and differing socio-economic and healthcare contexts. Anemia in these women is predominantly caused by nutritional deficiencies (e.g., iron, folate), parasitic infections (e.g., malaria, hookworm), and socio-economic factors like poverty and limited healthcare access. The consequences of anemia are severe, affecting maternal and child health, leading to complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight, while also reducing women’s productivity and economic contributions. Various interventions, such as nutritional programs, malaria control, and improved healthcare access, have been implemented, but challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and cultural barriers remain. The review highlights the need for a comprehensive, cross-sectoral approach to address anemia in Uganda and Nigeria, with targeted strategies to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce anemia prevalence.

Keywords: Anemia, women of reproductive age, Uganda, Nigeria, maternal health, nutritional deficiencies.

CITE AS: Mwende Wairimu G. (2026). Anemia in African Women of Reproductive Age: A CrossRegional Study of Uganda and Nigeria. INOSR APPLIED SCIENCES 14(2):88-92.
https://doi.org/10.59298/INOSRAS/2025/14.2.8892