Reducing iron deficiency anemia among vulnerable children in Peru: An integrated community health worker initiative

Background: Iron deficiency anemia is highly prevalent among young children in Peru. This research reports on the effectiveness of a supervised supplementation project using community health workers (CHWs) in three Peruvian communities: Azapampa, Huancayo and La Esperanza, Trujillo. CHWs provided integrated anemia prevention and treatment services within a larger community-based child health program. Aim: To evaluate the impact of CHW-supervised iron treatment, three times a week among children from 6-35 months old. Methods: Project Community health workers received training in iron dose treatment and supplementation and on foods rich in iron that promote iron absorption. Three times per week CHWs gave participants with anemia 3.5 – 4.5 mg of ferrous sulfate. The other children received a preventive dose of 1mg. The dose was given with citrus, and CHWs counseled families on iron-rich food choices and signs of anemia in children. Participant's hemoglobin levels were measured twice a year at 6-month intervals. Results: In six months, participants with anemia in La Esperanza showed recovery in 43.6% of anemic children, and 28.3% of children recovered in Azapampa. Conclusion: The supervised distribution of iron supplements and counseling to families in the program from motivated community health workers in a community-based intervention can effectively reduce anemia in children under 3 years old in one year in Peru. The integration of anemia interventions into community-based child health programs can result in measurable improvements in iron deficiency. >