Anemia is a serious global public health problem that particularly affects young children and pregnant women. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 42% of children less than 5 years of age and 40% of pregnant women worldwide are anemic. Worldwide this is 2.4 billion people, it is estimated that there are an additional 1 billion have iron deficiency.
World Anemia Awareness Day is held on 13 February as the number 13 represents the ideal hemoglobin number for optimal blood health. World Anemia Awareness Day aims to raise awareness of anemia and iron deficiency and to become a global driver to promote the importance of preventative action to support blood health. The theme for World Anemia Awareness Day in 2025 is “Hands Up for Blood Health” and will be marked by the first ever global ‘Anemia-thon’ starting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Prof. Axel Hofmann states: “Anemia is one of the world’s biggest health issues and yet awareness of the problem is very low. The International Foundation for Patient Blood Management (IFPBM) fully supports World Anemia Awareness Day and encourage all to be involved in the ‘Hands Up for Blood Health’ Anemia-thon on February 13”.
To support ‘Hands Up for Blood Health’ sign up now!