Records from health facilities for the first half of the year reveal that over 49% of pregnant women in the Tema Metropolis were found to be anemic at 36 weeks of gestation.
Among these, 4.05% were classified as severely anemic, while 37.55% presented with anemia at their first antenatal clinic visit.
Samuel Atuahene Antwi, the Tema Metropolitan Nutritionist, noted that anemia at 36 weeks increased by 84% in 2024 compared to 2023.
Tema Manhean saw the highest rise, with anemia rates jumping from 23.16% in 2023 to 72.4% in the first half of 2024.
He reported that 1,804 pregnant women received nutrition counseling, yet only 30% had their BMI checked to monitor nutritional status.
Antwi attributed the high anemia rates to insufficient intake of iron-rich foods, which may be exacerbated by household food insecurity due to economic hardships.
Additionally, some women may avoid nutritious foods due to traditional and spiritual beliefs.
Antwi urged pregnant women to consume adequate iron-rich foods, including red meat, liver, shrimp, fish, eggs, milk, and dark green leafy vegetables.
He also recommended pairing these with vitamin C-rich fruits like oranges and pineapples to enhance iron absorption.
