Micronutrient

Introduction

Levels of micronutrients added to fortified foods in Uganda must meet the standards set by the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS). These levels are set to significantly increase the population’s micronutrient intake of vitamin A, iron, and iodine to help reduce micronutrient deficiencies. These deficiencies can only be managed if the fortified products contain adequate nutrients.

Background

Despite improvements in anemia rates in recent years in Uganda, the prevalence of anemia among children remains high, at 49 percent. To continue reducing anemia, Uganda needs to focus its efforts on children 6–23 months of age. Micronutrient powders (MNP) are one of the few interventions that address multiple micronutrient deficiencies simultaneously and contribute to anemia reduction in this age group.

Background

In Uganda, the MOH is piloting a program to promote MNP fortification of complementary foods for infants and children 6-23 months, with an eye toward national expansion. The MOH and partners are positioning MNP as part of an overall strategy to improve the complementary feeding aspect of IYCF messaging and counseling, as well as WASH practices.

Background

Although micronutrient powders (MNP) are a promising intervention for reducing anemia in young children, research on MNP has focused more on clinical outcomes than operational issues. In Uganda, the Ministry of Health (MOH) is considering national rollout of MNP but needed context-specific implementation evidence for this intervention. To address this gap, the Strengthening Partnerships, Results, and Innovations in Nutrition Globally (SPRING) project is piloting MNP distribution in Namutumba District, Uganda.