Anemia is low haemoglobin (Hb) — the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. Indonesia has a high prevalence, especially in women of reproductive age (~32%) and adolescent girls.
Common symptoms: unexplained fatigue, pale skin/lips, palpitations on light activity, shortness of breath, frequent dizziness, brittle nails, cold extremities, weakened immunity.
Most common causes: iron deficiency (most common in Indonesia), vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, chronic bleeding (heavy periods, ulcers), chronic disease, thalassemia (genetic).
Tests: Complete Blood Count (Hb, haematocrit, MCV, MCH), serum ferritin, iron, vitamin B12, folate. For thalassemia: Hb electrophoresis.
Screening recommended: reproductive-age women annually, pregnant women each trimester, schoolchildren, men with symptoms >2 weeks.