Cereal fortification programs in developing countries.

Malnutrition is a major problem among children especially in the developing world. In most developing countries children show growth faltering between 6 and 24 months of age due to inadequate complementary feeding. Complementary foods are transitional foods given in addition to breast milk, following exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months, to meet the full nutritional requirements of the infant. Strategies to improve the availability of and accessibility to low cost complementary foods can play an important role in improving the nutritional status of infants and young children. Cereals constitute the most suitable vehicle for delivering micronutrients to an at-risk population because of their widespread consumption, stability and versatility. To reduce the vulnerability to the health impacts of micronutrient deficiencies, several developed and developing countries have adopted various innovative, cost-effective strategies to fortify cereal-based complementary foods and to reach children through public programs. This article reviews cereal fortification programs in developing countries, with special reference to low cost fortified complementary foods, and emphasizes the need for public-private-civic sector initiatives to improve the health and wellbeing of people around the world.

History of the International Vitamin A Consultative Group 1975-2000.

The International Vitamin A Consultative Group (IVACG) was established in May 1975. Since then, IVACG has actively led the campaign against vitamin A deficiency disorders (VADD). It operates through a network of policy makers, program administrators, and scientists interested in resolving the problem of VADD. Through its international meetings, IVACG provides a forum to exchange new ideas, to discuss research findings and their policy implications, and share experiences with program interventions. It provides technical guidance through state-of-the-art publications on VADD. More than 30 technical references have been developed. IVACG collaborates with international organizations in developing and establishing policy guidelines for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of VADD. During its 25 years, IVACG has given careful consideration to the role of vitamin A in infections, morbidity and mortality; assessment methods for use in the field and laboratory; other micronutrients and their interaction with vitamin A; bioavailability of vitamin A in foods; various interventions including supplementation, fortification and dietary diversification; the link between science and action; and sustainable control of VADD. IVACG is recognized as a credible source and galvanizing force in the field. It should continue to identify important research and policy issues and provide policy recommendations upon which others can act. Greater emphasis should be placed on integrated and multisectoral strategies, taking into account a community's overall needs for social, economic, and ecologic development.