Micronutrient Programs for the Survival and Health of Mothers and their Children

This project aims to increase the survival and health of women of childbearing age newborns and children under five in developing countries by supporting the Micronutrient Initiative (MI). It supports the MI in scaling up vital micronutrient programming and expanding its influence on global policies and practices that address undernutrition among vulnerable women and children through enhanced research monitoring and evaluation and public engagement. The interventions of the MI focus on the key period of pre-pregnancy through early childhood where child development is most critical. During the period covered by this project the MI works in over 70 countries worldwide with a particular focus on sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The project supports direct evidence-based and cost-effective nutrition interventions including: (1) support for the delivery and administration of life-saving vitamin A supplements to up to 200 million children per year; (2) support for private salt producers to increase the production of iodized salt reaching an estimated 120 million people per year; and (3) support for the administration of iron and folic acid supplements to reach up to 80% of pregnant women in the regions targeted by the Initiative. The MI works with existing health systems to identify optimal delivery mechanisms provides support to strengthen those systems that need it most and supports increasing national ownership and sustainability of micronutrient activities and services.

The expected intermediate outcomes for this project include: (1) increased implementation of commitments by policy makers to increase the effectiveness of micronutrient programs at scale; (2) improved quantity quality and timeliness of the provision of micronutrient products and services by public private and civil society actors; and (3) improved consumption or intake of essential micronutrients by women of childbearing age and children under five.