In an unprecedented effort, the United Nations has established eight Millennium Development Ooals aimed at improving the lot of the world 's poor. Three of the eight goals are directly related to health: reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, and combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. Detection and control of anemia will be central in meeting these goals. Since the greatest burden of anemia falls on individuals affected by the health issues above, any tooI that helps to reduce anemia will need to be readily accessible. One such tool is a safe, simple and affordable hemoglobin test - that does not compromise accuracy and precision.

Anemia is not only a risk to a pregnant woman's life, but also a leading cauae of child death and disability. It affects over half of the pregnant women and young children in developing countries, and it is especially common where malaria is present. Only correct hemoglobin measurement can ensure that anemia is detected - without risking needless transfusions that can expose mothers and children to HIV.

... for those with malaria

Malaria is always linked to anemia, but the relationship is especially complicated in poverty-stricken areas. Malnutrition and parasites can increase the anemia, causing untreated cases to become potentially life threatening. Correct hemoglobin meaaurement is necessary in order to catch anemia in time, as weIl as to prevent possible HIV exposure through unnecessary transfusions .

The growingnumber of HIV patients in developing countries are at high risk of developing anemia. HIV suppresses red blood cell production and anemia may become severe if AIDS then develops. Drugs used in treatment may further exacerbate anemis, necessitating drug changes that can compromise future treatement options. With correct hemoglobin measurements, anemia can be accurately diagnosed to avoid unnecessary drug changes.