[Prevention and treatment of iron-deficiency anemia: new focuses and perspectives]

The authors briefly describe the epidemiology of anemia, the goals established by the United Nations to combat the problem worldwide, and the difficulties encountered in applying proven effective strategies in public health services to prevent and cure anemia in pregnant women and children, both of which are prime high-risk groups. They analyze recent research aimed at four objectives related to prevention and cure: improving treatment efficacy; increasing effectiveness; reducing costs; and decreasing unwanted side effects. The study indicates that ongoing research could improve prospects for treatment through public health services.