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Prevention of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Iran: A policy Brief
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A Dehghani   , M Rafraf * , F Mohammadi Nasrabadi , R Khodayari Zarnaq |
| Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , rafrafm@tbzmed.ac.ir |
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Abstract: (117 Views) |
Background and Objective: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a public health problem in Iran. The Iranian government has taken several policies to prevent this problem in recent years, but there are still problems in providing resources, accessing health services, and raising awareness that prevent the full effectiveness of these policies.
Methodology: This policy brief is based on a qualitative study in three stages: 1- a review of policies, programs, and interventions implemented in different countries, 2- semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with stakeholders and participants, and finally 3- an expert panel to present policy options.
Findings: 9 policy options were presented: 1- Monitoring, supervising and evaluating the implementation of programs and reviewing related documents, 2- Improving the level of health awareness and literacy and empowering the community, 3- Assessing and monitoring the production, preparation and distribution of quality iron supplements and the use of appropriate salts, 4- Reforming the educational curriculum in universities and increasing the share of courses related to health, nutrition and public health, 5- Promoting the participation of families and executive actors in schools, 6- Education about healthy nutrition, consumption diversity, cooking methods and changing incorrect cultural habits in nutrition, 7- Improving the media literacy of the people for health education, 8- Using new carriers in fortification and separating food, and labeling them, 9- Collecting accurate information and statistical data on the effectiveness and success of programs and the current situation.
Conclusion: Responsible organizations, such as the Ministry of Health, should place greater emphasis on allocating budgets for preventive programs. Implementing these recommendations could be a fundamental step towards preventing iron deficiency anemia in Iran. |
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| Keywords: Prevention, Iron deficiency anemia, Policy brief, Iran |
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Full-Text [PDF 457 kb]
(54 Downloads)
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Article type: Brief Policy |
Subject:
nutrition
Received: 2026/05/31 | Accepted: 2026/01/30 | Published: 2026/06/1
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| References |
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Dehghani A, Rafraf M, Mohammadi Nasrabadi F, Khodayari Zarnaq R. Prevention of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Iran: A policy Brief. Iranian J Nutr Sci Food Technol 2026; 20 (5) :157-162 URL: http://nsft.sbmu.ac.ir/article-1-4166-en.html
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