Nutrition
Working with partners throughout
the world, USAID’s nutrition programs have helped decrease
serious child malnutrition rates in developing countries.
Nonetheless, persistent and widespread moderate malnutrition
continues to compromise the survival and growth of millions
of children. “Hidden hunger” caused by micronutrient
deficiencies, especially vitamin A deficiency, has a
direct relationship with children’s risk of mortality.
WHO has declared malnutrition to be a contributing factor
in more than half of all child deaths, and there is
evidence that 83 percent of these nutrition-related
deaths are associated with mild and moderate (rather
than severe) malnutrition.
The nutritional status of infants
and children is also a critical element in their future
health and development. Poor nutrition initiates a vicious
cycle. Undernourished adolescent girls become malnourished
women and give birth to low birthweight babies who are
deprived of essential nutrients both before and after
birth. Under-nutrition and deficiency of iron and iodine
reduce children's physical capacity and learning ability.
USAID’s program focuses on improving the nutrition of
mothers, mothers-to-be, and infants and young children
at every stage of this cycle.
USAID Strategy and Interventions
USAID’s nutrition programs aim to prevent malnutrition
and micronutrient deficiencies in children and women of reproductive
age. The key components of the program are:
- Promotion of breastfeeding and
appropriate infant feeding
- Micronutrient supplementation
and food fortification
- Community-based nutrition initiatives
- Food security initiatives
For infants and young children, USAID promotes immediate initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months of age, followed by appropriate infant foods, food fortification, and improved feeding practices. USAID supports vitamin A for all children 6 to 59 months of age through high-dose supplementation or food fortification, as well as the participation of communities in monitoring their children’s nutritional health and designing locally appropriate and effective nutrition activities.
Learn more about USAID's Vitamin A Programs.
For women of childbearing age, USAID supports iron folate supplementation (especially for mothers-to be and lactating mothers); nutrition education to promote dietary diversity and intake of nutrient-rich foods; and strategic use of Public Law 480 Title II fortified foods to benefit both women and children.
Public Law 480 Title II development
food aid is used to improve food access, availability,
and utilization. Food aid can be used to directly supplement
the diet of young children and pregnant and lactating
mothers, or commodities can be sold (monetization) with
proceeds used to support the provision of basic health
services, nutrition education, and local capacity building.
Faith-based and other private, non-governmental organizations,
the World Food Program and Cooperating Sponsors directly
implement Title II development programming. Title II
development food aid, when fully integrated with other
USAID resources, enhances the effectiveness of child
survival, agriculture, income generation, basic education
and community development activities targeting the rural
poor.
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