Iron-Rich Foods, Anemia, and Malaria in Primary School Children in Southern Ethiopia and Zambia

PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between iron-deficient anemia and malaria in primary school children in Southern Ethiopia and Zambia and assess the correlation between diet and health status. METHODS: Market inventories, observations at health outposts, and interviews and anthropometric assessments of 6th and 7th grade students. RESULTS: Both Ethiopia and Zambia had 20 iron-rich foods available in local markets. Only liver consumption was associated with malaria experience; those who consumed liver were significantly less likely to have had the disease (p DISCUSSION: Given the high prevalence of malaria in Southern Ethiopia and Zambia, and the correlation between liver consumption and malaria experience, nutrition education concerning iron-rich foods is essential