Iron supplementation for children in malaria-endemic regions

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world. It affects over two billion people and can lead to serious health outcomes such as anaemia and developmental delays. Children need more iron than adults (per kilogram of bodyweight), and are therefore particularly vulnerable to iron deficiency.

Some studies in young children have suggested that iron supplementation may increase the risk of malaria and death in children living in malaria-endemic regions. However, recent evidence suggests that iron supplementation does not adversely affect children when regular malaria surveillance and treatment services are provided. WHO therefore advises that in malaria-endemic areas, the provision of iron should be implemented in conjunction with measures to prevent, diagnose and treat malaria.