Magnitude and burden of micronutrient deficiencies in Eastern Sub-Saharan Africa, 1990 to 2023
Sebsibe Tadesse, Musa Jemal, Zufan Tessema, Dessalegn Tamiru, Gudina Egata, Abraham Geremew, Fre Gebremeskel Ftwi, Tsega Gebremichael Gebremeskel, Gemechis Tuke, Hailu Lemma, Kebebew Lemma, Geleta Nenko Dube, Gelgelo Wodessa, Haymanot MezmurBackground
Micronutrient deficiencies remain a significant public health challenge in Africa. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies and the years lived with disability (YLDs) in the Eastern Sub-Saharan African (ESSA) region from 1990 to 2023.
Methods
The study used methods and estimates from the Global Burden of Diseases 2023 study.
Results
There were an estimated 25,806 prevalent cases of dietary iron deficiency per 100,000 population (95% UI: 21,619–31,059), 4518 cases of dietary iodine deficiency per 100,000 population (95% UI: 3627–5441), and 5514 cases of vitamin A deficiency per 100,000 population (95% UI: 3616–9061) in the ESSA region in 2023, which resulted in 783 YLDs per 100,000 population (95% UI: 478–1298), 54 YLDs per 100,000 population (95% UI: 28–97), and 17 YLDs per 100,000 population (95% UI: 10–28), respectively. Sex, age, and inter-country variations were noted in the distribution of the rates. There was a remarkable decline in the rates of dietary iodine and vitamin A deficiencies in most parts of the region between 1990 and 2023. However, the rates of dietary iron deficiency remained the same.
Conclusion
This study revealed that the magnitude and burden of micronutrient deficiencies continued to be high in the ESSA region over the past three decades, with substantial cross-national and demographic disparities. Future interventions should prioritize targeted iron supplementation and food fortification programs for high-risk demographic groups and countries with persistently elevated rates, alongside sustained efforts to maintain progress in iodine and vitamin A coverage.