6.2 Purposes of biological assessme

6.2 Purposes of biological assessments
Biological assessments are made to:

Determine the magnitude, severity, and distribution of iron
deficiency and anaemia, and preferably its main causes.
This information can serve as a basis for planning policies
and interventions, and as a baseline against which to
assess their impact.

Identify populations more affected or at greater risk.
This information enables national authorities to select
priority areas for action, especially if resources are limited.

Monitor trends in prevalence and evaluate the impact of
interventions. Other programme indicators are also needed
for monitoring programme implementation.

Measure progress towards achieving the goals
adopted by the International Community.

Provide the basis for advocacy programmes for iron deficiency
and anaemia prevention in affected and vulnerable populations.
The approaches used in surveillance range from the routine collection and
analysis of indicators in health centres (especially antenatal clinics) and analysis
of laboratory records, to periodic special community-based assessments and
the integration of iron status or anaemia assessment in other population-based
surveys.
Clinic-based data are generally not representative of an entire population.
However, periodic assessments using the same methods in the same service
context may enable trends to be effectively followed. Any assessment
should include an analysis of factors causing or contributing to anaemia,
in addition to iron deficiency.