Abstract

Anemia remains a major public health challenge in East Africa, affecting a significant portion of the population, 
particularly children, pregnant women, and the elderly. The primary drivers of anemia in the region include 
nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron, folate, and vitamin B12, exacerbated by infectious diseases such as malaria 
and hookworm. This review examines the role of improved nutritional intake in addressing anemia, particularly in 
East African schools and hospitals. It highlights the importance of school feeding programs, micronutrient 
supplementation, and improved dietary education as effective interventions to combat nutritional deficiencies. In 
hospitals, integrating nutritional strategies alongside medical treatments is essential for improving patient 
outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations. The review also discusses the need for robust policy frameworks to 
support food fortification, enhance access to iron-rich foods, and promote public awareness about anemia prevention. 
The study underscores the importance of a holistic approach, incorporating both public health interventions and 
long-term educational strategies, to reduce anemia prevalence and its associated socio-economic impacts in East 
Africa.