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Anemia

Experiences and Learning from the 'Micronutrient Powders Consultation: Lessons Learned for Operational Guidance'

Introduction

Micronutrient powders (MNP) are single-dose sachets of vitamins and minerals that are mixed into food immediately before consumption. MNP are—

  • efficacious in reducing both anemia and iron deficiency
  • relatively easy to use and usually do not affect the taste of foods
  • available in large quantities at a relatively low cost. 

However, operationalizing MNP interventions remains a complex challenge.

Challenges with Identifying Rapid Methods that are Accurate and Cost Effective for Food Fortification Monitoring and Inspections

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.

Piloting Through Partnership: Micronutrient Powders In Uganda

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.

Using SBCC to Lower Barriers to Appropriate Use of Micronutrient Powders in Uganda

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.

Looking at Micronutrient Powder Distribution Qualitatively

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.

Piloting the District Assessment Tool for Anemia in Kapilvastu District, Nepal

SPRING’s District Assessment Tool for Anemia (DATA) increases awareness of anemia and helps districts take action on this prevalent problem. Increasingly, health officials are seeing DATA as a valuable district-level decision making tool.

Earlier in the year, SPRING’s Danya Sarkar and Denish Moorthy traveled to Kapilvastu District in Nepal and conducted a district-level workshop to assess how the tool could enhance district-level anemia reduction activities.

National and District Tools to Guide Anemia Programming

SPRING has developed guidance tools to support countries to develop context-specific and data-driven approaches to combat anemia. The Landscape Analysis Guidance provides detailed information to policy makers and program implementers on how to gather, understand, and use anemia-related data; and the District Assessment Tool for Anemia (DATA) assists program managers in strengthening anemia programming at the district level.