Argentina Vitamin A

Belize

Iron

 Iodine Bolivia
     
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EPIDEMIOLOGICAL DATA
   
Anemia
Most Recent Anemia Survey: National Study of Iron Deficiency anaemia among pregnant women in Belize 
Date: 1995-96
Groups Surveyed: Pregnant Women attending clinics in all 6 districts/33 Health Centers
Sample Size: 6,402
Sampling Method: Review of all clinic records and laboratory results of women in sample.  Women who went to private clinics or those who received no prenatal care were excluded from the sample.  The results from this sample were compared to results from a previous study done in 1988.    
Estimated Anemia Prevalence: 

Group

Sample size

Indicator (e.g. Hb<120g/L, <110g/L, etc.)

Prevalence in sample %
Children 2-8 Years Old

503

Hb <110 g/L

19.0
Pregnant Women

6,402

Hb <110 g/L

51.7

National Total

 

51.7
 

POLICY AND LEGISLATION
Legislation on IDA
     There is a policy to address iron deficiency in Belize.  It was established in 1982
     Policy addresses Maternal and Child Health- Reproductive Health Policy as well as the National Food and Nutrition Security Policy for Belized
     This policy has been significantly revised, but the government has not published any documents concerning national policies.
Government Agency to Address IDD
Iron Supplementation
     There is national policy on iron supplementation for women and for children
     The national policy on iron supplementation is within the micro-nutrient (Maternal and Child Health) program.
Iron Supplementation
Iron Fortification
     There is a national policy and/or legislation for iron fortification in Belize.
     The policy on iron fortification is the Belize Standard Specification for Wheat Flour.  It started in June 1998.
Iron Supplementation
Government Agency to Address IDD
     Maternal and Child Health Department, Ministry of Health.  The function of the agency is coordination and funding. 
     Contact information:  Belize City Hospital, Belize City, Belize
     
     

PROGRAM DATA
   
 Supplementation - (Women)  
Targeting

    

Iron Supplementation for pregnant women between the ages 15-54.

    

Approximately 6,500 women were targeted by the supplementation program.
   
Capsule Information

    

Iron tablets (60mg) and folic acid tablets (400mg).
Implementation

    

Supplements are distributed at all antenatal clinics.

    

The intended frequency of supplementation is 1 tablet daily when Hb is 11.0 g/dl and greater

    

Duration of supplementation is 6 months in pregnancy and then continuing to 3 months after pregnancy for a total of 9 months for women with Hb less than 11.0 g/dl.

    

The national program started in 1982.
   
Supplementation - (Children) 
Targeting

    

Children 0-5 years of age and are ill or at risk and have a low birth weight.

    

Children younger than 5 years of age and attending the Child Health Clinic are those targeted for the supplementation program.
Capsule Information
Capsule Information

    

Tablets of iron (12.5mg) and folic acid (50µg) are implemented.
Implementation

    

Supplements are distributed at clinics and schools.

    

The intended frequency of supplementation is 1/2 teaspoon daily for infants 6-24 months of age, regardless of birth weight or Hb level. 

    

The national program started in 1999.
 
Fortification

    

Currently wheat flour fortification is being legislated.  Approximately 100% of the wheat flour will be fortified at 60 ppm, but the process  will not monitored.
Dietary Change

    

There is a national campaign to promote improved iron status through dietary change with the dissemination of pamphlets and posters.

    

There are community-based programs as well to promote improved iron status through dietary change.

    

These programs are run through the clinics, health centers, and by health professionals.
Other Programs - No other programs aimed at improving iron status.
     
     
 

MONITORING
 
Anemia
Current monitoring activities for iron deficiency anemia: 
    

No current monitoring activities.
Current monitoring activities for iron deficiency anemia: 
Laboratory facilities for Hb estimates
    

The estimates for Hb are currently conducted at both Government and private laboratories.
     
     

PROGRAM RESOURCES
Donor and Implementing Agencies

 

Implementing Agency

 

Description of Activities

Expenditure and source of funds in

current year

Suppl.

Fortif.

Other (specify)

National/State governments

Education and Supplementation

 

 

 

External Agencies

INCAP, UNICEF, and PAHO/WHO

 

 

 
Donor and Implementing Agencies
Total Iron Program Funding History and Forecast for Country-  Not Reported