Reading about the Causes of Anemia in Upper-Middle-Income Countries

Findings from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), processed by the World Health Organization (WHO), reveal several causes of anemia, a condition where the body lacks sufficient red blood cells and does not function properly.

In upper-middle-income countries like Indonesia, the most common cause is iron deficiency in the diet, accounting for 59% of total cases in this income group.

The next leading causes are hemoglobinopathies and hemolytic anemia, at 17%. According to various sources, hemoglobinopathies are genetic disorders affecting the structure or production of hemoglobin in red blood cells, while hemolytic anemia is a condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they should be.

Chronic kidney disease accounts for 7% of anemia cases. This is followed by endocrine, metabolic, blood, and immune disorders at 4%. Other causes comprise 13%.

The WHO notes that 1.92 billion people worldwide suffer from anemia, with the highest prevalence in less developed countries.

In 2019, anemia was estimated to affect 40% of children under five and 30% of women of childbearing age. Meanwhile, 25% of the population over 70 years old was estimated to have anemia.

The prevalence of pre-operative anemia from all causes varies according to the type of surgery, but the WHO estimates it reaches 30%.

"Anemia is underdiagnosed despite its high prevalence worldwide," the WHO wrote in a report published on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

The WHO considers anemia to negatively impact functional status, quality of life, and productivity, and a major global contributor to long-term disability.

"Improved diagnosis and treatment will improve population health," the WHO wrote.

The following details the WHO's findings on causes in upper-middle-income countries:

* Iron deficiency in the diet: 59%
* Hemoglobinopathies and hemolytic anemia: 17%
* Chronic kidney disease: 7%
* Endocrine, metabolic, blood, and immune disorders: 4%
* Other: 13%