An anode for cathodically-protected steel-reinforced concrete is embedded in an ion-conductive overlay on the concrete structure. The anode comprises at least one sheet of highly expanded valve metal mesh having a pattern of voids defined by a network of valve metal strands connected at a multiplicity of nodes. This provides a redundancy of current-carrying paths through the mesh which ensures effective current distribution throughout the mesh even in the event of possible breakage of a number of individual strands. The surface of the valve metal mesh carries an electrochemically active coating. At least one current distribution member is welded to the valve metal mesh. The entire area of the structure to be protected, excluding non-protected openings for obstacles and the like, is covered by a single piece of the mesh, or several pieces in close proximity with one another.