Awareness and motivationMotivating

Awareness and motivation
Motivating the target group to take iron tablets according to the prescribed
schedule, thereby improving adherence, is of utmost importance. Accordingly,
communities, families, mothers, and health workers need to be well informed
about the health benefits - as well as the side-effects - of iron supplementation
for both the mother and fetus.
One approach is a comprehensive education and information programme,
organized through the health and other community infrastructures. Such a
programme should emphasize the benefits of iron supplementation and
provide advice concerning possible side-effects. Community leaders,
volunteer health workers or local cadres, schoolteachers, and students can
reinforce these messages as a demonstration of their involvement in and
commitment to the community.
The training of community workers involved in programme implementation is
essential. Social marketing techniques can be used to great advantage.
Of course, the design of messages should take into account local terms,
perceptions, and cultural factors related to anaemia.
Quality and packaging of iron supplements
Improvements are needed in the quality of iron tablets, especially in their stability
(e.g. avoidance of cracking, and disintegration, and absorption of moisture)
and other physical characteristics (e.g. their colour and odour). Development
of improved packaging to minimize deterioration before distribution,
and innovative and safe ways of dispensing the tablets, is also needed.
The design and testing of all of these aspects of iron supplementation are
significant in improving adherence. They are especially important in preventing
accidental iron poisoning, particularly in children.