Skip to main content

Micronutrient

SPRING's First Micronutrient Powder Distribution in Namutumba

SPRING/Uganda is implementing a micronutrient powder (MNP) program, focused on children aged 6 to 23 months. “Point-of-use,” or “home-based” fortification is used to reduce the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies, including iron deficiencies, and anemia in children. SPRING is using two methods for distributing the MNPs and related materials: facility-based and community-based. With the facility method, MNP materials are stored at the facilities.

Launch of a Micronutrient Powder Program in Namutumba District, Uganda

On March 15th, 2015 in Nsinze Sub-Country, Namutumba District, Uganda’s Ministry of Health—in conjunction with Namutumba District leadership, SPRING, World Food Programme, and UNICEF—launched a pilot program to improve children’s nutrition within the district. The program involves distribution of micronutrient powders (MNPs) through village health team (VHT) members or health facilities to enable caregivers to fortify foods and the point of use (often called home-based food fortification).

SPRING Spearheads a Pilot to Compare Distribution Approaches to Enable Use of Micronutrient Powders

Uganda, like many other developing countries, suffers from a significant burden of iron, vitamin A, and zinc deficiencies. Additionally, iron deficiency anaemia affects almost 50 percent of children between 6 – 23 months of age and 30 percent of women of reproductive age. A staggering 87 percent of children in Uganda ages 6-23 months do not receive the recommended minimum of four food groups per day. In Namutumba District, 52.1 percent do not receive the three food groups (energy giving, body building, and protective foods) and only 5.8 percent consume iron rich food (UDHS, 2011).