Rev Epidemiol Sante
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Rev Epidemiol Sante · Feb 2003
[Iron supplementation associated with malaria prevention among pregnant women in Abidjan].
Despite the demonstrated efficacy of iron supplements and malaria prevention, the effectiveness of antenatal care programs for prevention of anaemia (haemoglobin rate<11 g/dL) in pregnant women is low in West Africa. Apart from the issue of availability and despite low cost, the major reason evoked is the lack of motivation of pregnant women and health care professionals. In this study, iron supplements and malaria prophylactics were provided free of charge during pregnancy. The treatment was proposed at the first antenatal visit, with the objective of not interfering with routine practice of birth attendants and women in latter antenatal visits. ⋯ It is therefore important to reinforce the availability of treatments to prevent anaemia in pregnant women due to their demonstrated efficiency as a part of routine antenatal activities.