Ado Salisu
The Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), in collaboration with the National Committee on Adolescent Health and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), organized a sensitization awareness campaign against iron deficiency anemia at Government Girls College in Kano.
The event was part of the World Day of Iron Deficiency Anemia, with the theme “Iron for Maternal Survival: Combating Iron Deficiency to Prevent Postpartum Hemorrhage.”
Dr. Halima Adamu, the chairperson of the Kano state chapter of MWAN, emphasized the importance of preventing iron deficiency anemia, particularly among young girls.
She noted that iron deficiency is a significant contributor to disease burden worldwide, predominantly affecting children, premenopausal women, and populations from low- and middle-income countries.
The guest speaker, Dr. Nafisa Sidi Sani, highlighted the efforts being made to prevent iron deficiency anemia, emphasizing the need for collective action from stakeholders, private sectors, and governments.
She warned that iron deficiency anemia can lead to severe health consequences, including fast or abnormal heartbeat, enlarged heart, and heart failure.
The vice principal of the school, Malama Maimuna Bashir, expressed gratitude for the organizers’ efforts and assured that the students would utilize the knowledge gained to Improve and sustain their health.
Highlights of the event include the distribution of shoes, drugs, and pamphlets to students, donated by MWAN.