Strategies to prevent anaemia: Recommendations from an Expert Group Consultation, 2016

In 2011, WHO estimated that over 200 million women of reproductive age (191 million 

non-pregnant women and 11.5 million pregnant women) in the SEAR were anaemic. 

The adverse effects of anaemia, such as poor pregnancy outcomes, cognitive impairment and reduced work capacity impacts on both health and economic development. Anaemia due to iron deficiency is among the top 10 leading causes of years lost to disability in low- and middle-income countries, and the 7th leading cause of years lost to disability in women. WHO estimates that 12.8% of maternal death could be attributed to anemia.