Treatment of severe anaemia

Children classified as having severe anaemia are at risk of death from congestive heart failure, hypoxia (acute shortage of oxygen in the blood), or severe bacterial infections. All children with severe anaemia must be referred urgently to hospital. They may need blood transfusions or antibiotics. You need to explain to the mother the reasons for and the advantages of the child going to the hospital and do everything you can to facilitate the referral. Look back at Study Session 4 in this Module if you need reminding how to refer a child to hospital.