Anaemia

Anaemia is a lack of red blood cells and/or haemoglobin.

This results in a reduced ability of blood to transfer oxygen to the tissues. In the milder form anaemia is asymptomatic. In the more severe form it is associated with fatigue, weakness, dizziness and drowsiness. Signs include loss of normal colour in the skin and in the lips, tongue, nail beds and the blood vessels in the white of the eyes.

Anaemia is common throughout the world. Its main cause, iron deficiency, is the most prevalent nutritional deficiency in the world. Several infections related to hygiene, sanitation, safe water and water management are significant contributors to anaemia in addition to iron deficiency.
Nine out of ten anaemia sufferers live in developing countries, about 2 billion people suffer from anaemia and an even larger number of people present iron deficiency (WHO, 2000).

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Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/anaemia
http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/diseases/anaemia/en/
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