In the multiple model, ten variables, including the two iron biomarkers (Ferritin and sTfR), plasma selenium level, inflammation markers (CRP, AGP), malaria status, history of fiver in the preceding 2 weeks, alpha‐thalassemia, age of the child and altitude of the cluster, emerged as significant predictors of hemoglobin (p < .05). Here, ATP5MK is linked to alpha thalassemia spectrum.