The 2016 Micronutrient Forum Global Conference–a global conference that brings together specialists from a wide array of sectors who share an interest in reducing micronutrient malnutrition, including researchers, policymakers, program implementers, and the private sector–was held in Cancun, Mexico on October 24th-28th.
The SPRING Project and USAID-funded Maternal and Child Survival Program (MCSP) co-chaired a symposium on Sunday, October 23rd from 5:30-7:00 pm that featured four presentations showcasing programs and innovative tools for anemia prevention and control at the global, national, district, and community levels.
SPRING staff were featured in a second symposium titled "Updated prevalence of anemia, and deficiency of iron and vitamin A in settings of inflammation and globally, for children and women of reproductive age - Final BRINDA results" on Wednesday, October 26th from 2:00-3:30 pm. SPRING posters were available for viewing at tables during the conference.
Presentations
Approaches to Prevent and Control Anemia: Examples of Global, National, District and Community Efforts
Date: Sunday, October 23rd from 17:30-19:00
Room: Tulum Room 3 & 4
Chairs: Sorrel Namaste, SPRING / Justine Kavle, Maternal Child Health Program
Speakers:
- Global level: Alexis D’Agostino, SPRING
Guidance on Conducting Landscape Analyses for Anemia (PDF, 1.1 MB)
Ms. D’Agostino presented on a new anemia landscape analysis tool that provides guidance to global and national implementers on how to synthesize and interpret information to understand the anemia situation in a country. - National level: Jane Nabakooza, Uganda Ministry of Health
Strengthening Integrated Anemia Programming Using a Multi-sectoral and Multi-stakeholder Approach in Uganda (PDF, 1.91 MB)
Ms. Nabakooza presented lessons learned from undertaking national anemia coordination efforts in Uganda. - District level: Kate Quarshie, Ghana Health Services
District Assessment Tool for Anemia (DATA): Ghana's Experience (PDF, 769 KB)
Ms. Quarshie presented lessons learned from testing a new District Assessment Tool for Anemia in Ghana to help program managers understand and prioritize anemia programs across sectors. - Community level: Brenda Ahoya, Maternal and Child Survival Program/PATH, Kenya
Perceptions of Anemia and Pre-eclampsia: Program Implications for Co-administration of Anti Malarials, Iron Folic-acid and Calcium Supplementation for Pregnant Women in Kenya
Ms. Ahoya presented on a study examining maternal perceptions of maternal anemia and pre-eclampsia, barriers to uptake of a focused antenatal care package, and implications for service delivery.
Updated Prevalence of Anemia, and Deficiency of Iron and Vitamin A in Settings of Inflammation and Globally, for Children and Women of Reproductive Age - Final BRINDA Results
Date: Wednesday, October 26th from 14:00-15:30
SPRING presented on methods to accurately estimate the prevalence of iron deficiency among children and women in settings with a high prevalence of infection using results from the BRINDA project. Other presentations included BRINDA results related to assessment of vitamin A deficiency and understanding risk factors for anemia. The session concluded with a presentation by the World Health Organization on policy and program implications learned from the BRINDA project.