WHO Global Anaemia estimates, 2025 Edition

Global anaemia estimates in women 15-49 years, by pregnancy status

Millions of women of reproductive age and children under age five may currently be experiencing fatigue, lethargy, or shortness of breath due to anaemia. Such debilitating symptoms usurp the well-being and productivity of human capital, and in women, in particular, which ultimately affect entire families, societies, and nations. Anaemia leads to vicious intergenerational consequences including adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes, higher mortality and morbidity risks, and poor cognitive and motor development in children. The 2025 edition of the WHO estimates on anaemia in women aged 15–49 years, by pregnancy status, reveals that anaemia remains a major public health concern. Only 18 countries (10% of all countries) have shown progress toward meeting the target, indicating that the world is currently off track to achieve the goal of a 50% reduction in anaemia by 2030.