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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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