Malawi
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Project
Epidemiological work on micronutrients in Malawi beginning with a National Micronutrient Survey followed by establishing a monitoring system for food fortification.
Start Date April 2001
Background and Purpose
Localized and selected population specific data have shown that micronutrient malnutrition is common in Malawi. However, representative national statistics on the prevalence and severity of micronutrient deficiencies were not available. Thus, a national household-based survey was planned to
- Assess the impact of micronutrient interventions implemented in the 1990s.
- Generate data for evidence-based advocacy, social marketing and resource mobilization for micronutrient interventions including food fortification.
- Provide baseline data for planning, programming, monitoring and evaluation of micronutrient interventions.
Scope
The survey covered 26 of 27 districts in Malawi, 12 districts in the southern region, the nine districts in the Central region, and five of six districts in the northern region. All current and planned interventions to improve micronutrient nutrition are on a national scale.
Partners
- Ministry of Health and Population
- Central Statistics Office
- United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Malawi
Progress
A National Micronutrient Survey was conducted in September 2001. Primary objectives were to
- Determine the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency in children aged 6�.9 months, children aged 6� years, women of reproductive age and adult men.
- Determine the prevalence of anemia with respect to iron deficiency and parasitic infections in children aged 6�.9 months, children aged 6� years, women of reproductive age, and adult men.
- Determine the prevalence of iodine deficiency in children aged 6� years.
- Validate the appropriateness of identified, centrally-processed, food vehicles for fortification.
- Estimate levels of consumption of these selected staple foods.
Future Plans
- Results from the National Micronutrient Survey will be disseminated throughout Malawi in November 2002.
- A five-year plan for preventing micronutrient deficiencies will be developed based on the results of the national survey.
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Page last updated: May 22, 2007
Content Source: Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion