Abstract :
Anemia in pregnancy remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in low-income countries (LICs),
where it is a leading contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality. It is estimated that over 40% of pregnant women
in LICs are affected by anemia, often due to a combination of nutritional deficiencies, chronic infections, and genetic
disorders. The prevalence of anemia is compounded by limited access to quality healthcare and poor nutritional
practices, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. This review examines the relationship between
anemia and maternal mortality in LICs, exploring the contributing factors, including iron and folate deficiencies, as
well as the impact of malaria, hookworm, HIV, and inherited conditions such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia.
Anemia during pregnancy is associated with several adverse outcomes, including preterm birth, low birth weight,
maternal hemorrhage, and increased risk of infection, all of which contribute to higher maternal mortality rates. The
burden of anemia exacerbates the challenges faced by healthcare systems in LICs, where resources are often
insufficient to manage and treat the condition effectively. Moreover, untreated anemia in pregnancy can lead to longterm health issues for both the mother and the newborn, including cognitive and developmental delays in children
born to anemic mothers
Keyword :
anemia, maternal mortality, low-income countries, pregnancy outcomes, nutritional deficiencies, health systems, interventions, global health.