Stand Strong Against Anaemia with "Win Your Day" Campaign

Officiating the launch of the Stand Strong Against Anaemia and Win Your Day campaign, (from left) Mr. Richard Lee, General Manager of Merck Consumer Health Division, Malaysia; Dr. Zulfitri ‘Azuan Mat Daud, invited speaker from the Malaysian Dieticians Association (MDA); and Dr. Dhara Shah, Associate Director of Medical Affairs, Merck Consumer Health Division.

Hello! Do you know iron deficiency anaemia is a condition that many are unaware they are suffering from and also is one of the most prevalent nutritional deficiency disorders in the world? If left untreated, it may become severe enough to affect our daily life. By raising awareness, Merck hopes Malaysians will benefit from a better understanding of iron deficiency, and take the necessary steps to begin living extraordinary lives.

If you don't know, anaemia actually happens when the level of red blood cells or the level of haemoglobin is lower than normal, hence a reduced amount of oxygen is being carried around in the bloodstream. Iron deficiency anaemia is the most common type of anaemia caused by insufficient iron in the body to produce haemoglobin. While relatively non-life threatening, anaemia can lead to various complications if left unchecked. Major health consequences include poor pregnancy outcomes, impaired physical and cognitive development and increased risk of morbidity in children, and reduced work productivity in adults. 

The symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia can be mild and risks are relatively unknown due to the lack of awareness and understanding. Due to inadequate oxygen levels in the body, iron deficiency anaemia patients may experience various symptoms such as dizzy, lethargic or weak, frequent headaches, having a tingling or crawling feeling in the legs, strange cravings to eat non-food items such as dirt, ice or clay, cold hands and feet, tongue swelling or soreness, brittle nails and pale skin. If left untreated, iron deficiency anaemia can lead to irregular heartbeat, and in severe cases, may lead to heart failure or an enlarged heart. Pregnancy, significant menstrual bleeding and uterine fibroids are all reasons that contribute to more women experiencing iron deficiency anaemia than men.

With such alarming figures, Merck Consumer Health Division the leader in healthcare and well-being is stepping up its efforts and leading the change in raising awareness on iron deficiency anaemia through their “Win Your Day” campaign. The campaign is set to educate Malaysians and improve lives, particularly women as they are more susceptible to be affected by iron deficiency anaemia. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that over 30% of the world’s population suffers from anaemia, with the disease being most prevalent in women and young children.
In Malaysia, of the 5,184 adults tested by Merck Consumer Health Division, approximately 39% of Malaysian adults are living with anaemia – 42% of 3,676 adult females, and 31% of 1,508 adult males. 

As in the case of (right) Nor Amni Bt Haris, 31, and (centre) Siti Noorshella Zainal, 37, their daily duties and chores struggled prior to discovery of their ailment. Both ladies improved on their dietary habits and took iron supplements upon professional advise, and their health condition has since been improved.

A pale conjunctiva is a clinical feature of anaemia, which can be self-detected by Merck’s Conjunctival Paleness Chart.
As part of the Anaemia Risk Assessment Tool, the chart is available online and free to use for all at www.WinYourDay.my.

Should the Anaemia Risk Assessment Tool and Conjunctival Paleness Chart point towards an afflication with iron deficiency anaemia, one should consult a doctor for further advise and undergo a blood test.

The benefits of finding iron deficiency anaemia treatment are substantial in restoring personal health and winning your days to experience a more fulfilling life. In conjunction with the ‘Win Your Day’ awareness campaign, Merck is organizing complimentary haemoglobin tests at selected pharmacies nationwide. For more information on the complimentary haemoglobin tests, and to do an initial self-check using the interactive Anaemia Risk Assessment Tool and Conjunctival Paleness Chart, visit www.WinYourDay.my.