Community Mobilization and Social Marketing to Promote Weekly Iron-Folic Acid Supplementation: A New Approach Toward Controlling Anemia Among Women of Reproductive Age in Vietnam

Authors: Khan, Nguyen Cong; Thanh, Hoang Thi Kim; Berger, Jacques; Hoa, Pham Thuy; Quang, Nguyen Dinh; Smitasiri, Suttilak; Cavalli-Sforza, Tommaso

Source: Nutrition Reviews, Volume 63, Supplement 1, December 2005 , pp. 87-94(8)

Publisher: International Life Sciences Institute

Abstract:

Community-based social marketing and mobilization increased knowledge and participation in preventive weekly iron-folic acid supplementation among women of reproductive age in Vietnam. Rates of buying and taking the weekly supplement containing 60 mg elemental iron and 3.5 mg folic acid among non-pregnant women of reproductive age was between 55% and 92%. Free distribution to pregnant women of the weekly supplement containing 120 mg iron and 3.5 mg folic acid covered almost all pregnant women during the project. In developing countries where community women's groups and health networks are strong, preventive supplementation can be successfully promoted to encourage active participation in the prevention and control of iron-deficiency anemia.

Keywords: ANEMIA; WEEKLY IRON-FOLIC ACID SUPPLEMENTATION; WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE; SOCIAL MOBILIZATION; VIETNAM

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1301/nr.2005.dec.S87-S94

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