Barriers to Accessing Iron Supplements in Low-Income Regions of Nigeria and Implications for Anemia Control
Anemia remains a major public health problem in Nigeria, disproportionately affecting women of reproductive age, pregnant women, infants, and young children. Iron supplementation is a cornerstone intervention for prevention and treatment of iron deficiency anemia, yet access and sustained use are persistently suboptimal in low-income regions. This review synthesizes key barriers to accessing iron supplements in resource-constrained Nigerian settings, spanning health-system constraints (availability, stock-outs, costs, weak supply chains), service delivery challenges (limited antenatal coverage, long waiting times, poor counseling), sociocultural factors (beliefs, misconceptions, stigma, gender dynamics), individual-level constraints (side effects, low perceived need, forgetfulness), and broader structural determinants (poverty, insecurity, distance, transportation). We also highlight programmatic opportunities strengthening procurement and last-mile distribution, reducing out-of-pocket costs, improving counseling and side-effect management, integrating community delivery platforms, leveraging digital tools for adherence support, and aligning iron supplementation with food fortification and malaria control. Addressing these barriers using equity-focused, context-sensitive strategies is essential for reducing anemia burden and improving maternal and child outcomes in low-income Nigerian communities.