The main factors causing anemia in this setting are deficiencies of iron and, possibly, folate induced by inadequate diet and malarial and hookworm infections. Severe malarial anemia resulting in hemorrhage is a major cause of death among pregnant women. Infant Birth Weight, Growth, and Development. Low maternal hemoglobin strongly predicts preterm delivery and low birth weight. Those who survive are at greater risk for poor growth and development.
Anemia is another major cause of child morbidity and mortality in Africa.
Malaria infection affects weight gain and stunts growth. Weight gain was significantly higher among infants who slept under ITBNs. Other studies show that African children who regularly receive antimalarial prophylaxis improve weight gain. Many individuals at risk of malaria have micronutrient deficiencies that may hamper protective immunity. Nutrition appears to influence susceptibility to malaria and affects the course of the infection.