UNICEF steps in to treat anaemia endemic in Uzbek Aral Sea


Uzbek newspaper 'Pravda Vostoka'
August 15

One hundred per cent of pregnant women admitted to hospital in the Aral Sea area of Uzbekistan suffer from acute anaemia, the Uzbek newspaper Pravda Vostoka reported on 15 August. Anaemia is endemic in this area, the Karakalpak Autonomous Republic, the paper said.

"The women are mainly from the northern areas who live in villages. They do not pay attention to flaccidity, vertigo and tiredness until they are admitted to hospital in a critical condition," it said.

UNICEF has launched a programme to tackle anaemia in the region, distributing pills to women which should be taken once a week, the report said.