Similar results have been reported from other countries. Fortification of foods with iron is also an effective means of addressing anaemia. In 1993, Venezuela began fortifying all wheat and maize flour with iron and B vitamins. A 1996 evaluation showed large reductions in the prevalence of anaemia in children and adolescents following the fortification, even though during this period the country was suffering from a general economic decline. At a meeting in 1996, countries of the Middle East and North Africa made a joint commitment to fortifying wheat flour with iron as a principal strategy for anaemia reduction in the region, where wheat is a staple.
Anaemia is made worse by some illnesses, particularly hookworm infection.
Malaria is also a major cause of anaemia, although this is not directly related to iron losses. In several countries, deworming of schoolchil dren has been shown to reduce the prevalence and severity of anaemia. The nutritional well-being of children around the world has benefited greatly from the enormous achievements since 1990 in improving children's access to basic health services, both curative and preventive. The success of child immunization programmes has been a major boost to child health. Immunization also protects vitamin A levels, which plum met during acute measles infections.