Anaemia in childhood is defined as a haemoglobin (Hb)
concentration below established cut-off levels. These levels
vary depending on the age of the child, and on the laboratory in
which the blood sample is tested. Reference ranges for specific
laboratories and age groups should always be referred to. The
World Health Organization (WHO) has suggested levels of Hb below
which anaemia is said to be present. These levels are <11 g/dL
in children aged 6-59 months and <11.5 g/dL in children aged
5-11 years and 12 g/dl in older children (aged 12-14). Childhood
anaemia poses a major public health issue leading to an
increased risk of child mortality, as well as the negative
consequences of iron deficiency anaemia on cognitive and
physical development. In 2003 the United Nations General
Assembly set a goal, at its special session on children, to
reduce the prevalence of anaemia by one third by 2010. - Add
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