Click here to visit the Zambian National Server. Women and children are most at risk. In Zambia, economic recession in the past decade and drought in 1991-92 have had major nutritional effects on its people. All three micronutrient deficiencies exist here at levels of public health significance.
Anemia is common among pregnant women and young children.
Malarial infection and associated folic acid deficiency may also be primary causes of anemia among pregnant women. Malaria and intestinal parasites, particularly hookworm, are important contributing factors in children. The most recent survey showed a marked decline in goiter rates since the early 1970s. Legislation mandates that all salt, which is entirely imported, be iodized. Although it is estimated that nearly all salt is iodized, levels of iodate were adequate in less than half of the samples tested.