Anaemia is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide. The prevalence of anaemia in non-pregnant and pregnant African women (47.5% versus 57.1%) and Southeast Asian women (45.7% versus 48.2%) suggests that majority of reproductive age women at risk for anaemia reside in these countries. Anaemia in pregnant women from developing countries remains as a major public health concern despite a few decades of efforts through special policies and national programmes. (Correspondence)