Anaemia Silent but Deadly, New WOMAN-3 Trial Targets Prevention Before Pregnancy — Professor Olayemi

A leading obstetrician and gynaecologist, Professor Oladapo Olayemi, has said anaemia remains one of the most overlooked health conditions affecting Nigerian women, warning that the condition significantly increases the risk of severe bleeding and maternal deaths during childbirth.

Speaking during an interview on Inside Scoop on Adamimogo 105.1FM Ibadan, Prof. Olayemi, who is the lead investigator of the WOMAN-3 clinical trial in Ibadan, said the groundbreaking study seeks to prevent anaemia in young women before they become pregnant, thereby reducing life-threatening complications during childbirth.

According to him, the trial is part of a broader global collaboration involving Nigerian researchers and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine aimed at tackling maternal mortality. He explained that previous studies successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of tranexamic acid in preventing deaths from postpartum haemorrhage, prompting researchers to investigate whether preventing anaemia earlier in life could further reduce maternal deaths.

“The objective of WOMAN-3 is to prevent anaemia before women even get pregnant,” he said. “If women enter pregnancy with healthy blood levels, they are less likely to suffer severe bleeding or die from complications during childbirth.”

Olayemi explained that the study is currently recruiting participants in Ibadan, with plans to expand to other parts of Nigeria if additional recruitment becomes necessary. He noted that the research focuses on women of reproductive age because monthly menstrual bleeding places them at greater risk of developing anaemia over time.

He described anaemia as a “silent condition” because it can only be confirmed through a blood test, unlike illnesses with obvious symptoms. While sufferers may experience persistent tiredness, poor concentration, weakness or dizziness, he said these signs are often mistaken for stress, malaria or other common illnesses.

“Every organ in the body depends on oxygen carried by the blood,” he explained. “When the blood cannot carry enough oxygen, virtually any organ can be affected. That’s why anaemia can mimic many other illnesses.”

The professor said researchers now believe that even women who experience what appears to be normal menstrual bleeding may gradually develop anaemia if their bodies fail to replace lost blood adequately between menstrual cycles. The clinical trial will investigate whether reducing menstrual blood loss with an oral form of tranexamic acid can help women maintain healthy haemoglobin levels.

He noted that although anaemia can affect pregnancy outcomes, it is uncommon for mothers to directly pass the condition to their babies because the body has natural mechanisms that protect the unborn child unless the mother’s nutritional deficiency becomes extremely severe.

Olayemi stressed that public awareness remains a major challenge, adding that many women do not seek medical attention until anaemia becomes severe. He said the WOMAN-3 project includes extensive awareness campaigns and community education, with information materials being developed in local languages, including Yoruba, to improve public understanding of the condition.

He also accepted an invitation to return to Adamimogo 105.1FM for a dedicated Yoruba-language programme to educate grassroots communities about recognising anaemia, managing heavy menstrual bleeding and seeking early medical care.

Highlighting the significance of the research, Olayemi said recent findings from earlier clinical trials revealed that anaemia is not merely associated with excessive bleeding after childbirth but may itself be an independent cause of postpartum haemorrhage, one of the leading causes of maternal deaths globally.

“Our evidence is becoming stronger that anaemia is a direct risk factor for postpartum bleeding,” he said. “That is why preventing anaemia before pregnancy could save many lives.”

He expressed optimism that findings from the WOMAN-3 trial would provide the scientific evidence needed to guide future health policies, improve education campaigns and strengthen maternal healthcare interventions across Nigeria.