Iron-Supplementation Programmes: Compliance of Target Groups and Frequency of Tablet Intake

The prevalence of iron-deficiency anaemia remains especially high in developing countries, despite large-scale iron-supplementation programmes. The reasons for the lack of success of these programmes are discussed based on the results of original research conducted in Indonesia. Studies among pregnant women in rural Sulawesi and urban Jakarta demonstrated that besides insufficient coverage of the target group, women's compliance with tablet intake was a serious problem. Compliance may be improved when it is not necessary to take tablets on a daily basis. Studies among pre-school children and non-pregnant women proved the effectiveness of once-weekly and twice-weekly supplementation. These supplementation schedules should also be investigated in pregnant women.