Nutrition International, formerly the Micronutrient Initiative (MI), is an international non-profit agency based in Canada that works to eliminate vitamin and mineral deficiencies in developing countries.[2] Although often in very small amounts by the body. Essentially, vitamins and minerals – also called micronutrients – support an array of important biological functions, including development, immune function and eye function, as well as embryonic development of the brain, nervous system. and skeletal system. Micronutrient lacks are a type of unhealthiness and a perceived medical condition in many emerging nations [3] Globally, more than two billion people live with vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
In 1990, leaders participating in the World Summit for
Children set the goal of virtually eliminating micronutrient deficiencies. [5]
In 1992, the Micronutrient Initiative was established as a secretariat within
the International Development Research Center (IDRC) located in Ottawa,
Ontario, Canada, to support progress toward that goal. In 1993 IDRC selected an Executive Director for the Secretariat and moved 2-3 of its staff to the new association. [6] Venkatesh Mannar took over as executive director in
June 1994. Until 2000, MI was administered by a steering committee composed of
the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the Center for
International Development Research, UNICEF, the World Bank and USAID. In 2000,
MI became an independent non-profit organization. [7] Joel Spicer became
president in February 2014. [8] In 2017, the organization formally rebranded
Nutrition International to more accurately reflect the scope, reach and impact
of its expansion. [9]
The organization provides funding and technical support for
salt iodization, distribution of multi-micronutrient powders, fortification of
staple foods such as wheat flour with vitamin A, iron and folic acid, and
dietary supplementation with vitamin A, iron . Zinc and Folic Acid. Starting around 1997, with subsidizing support from the Government of Canada, Nutrition International has given in excess of eight billion dosages of vitamin A for use by UNICEF and public state run administrations.
Nutrition International is credited with playing a leading
role in involving corporations and trade associations at both a global and
national level in partnerships to improve nutrition. [11]
Nutrition International's staff includes scientists,
nutritionists and policy and development experts. In addition to its headquarters
in Ottawa, the organization has offices in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal,
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Pakistan. [12]
International Nutrition Programs
children under five
Provides micronutrients necessary for children to survive
and thrive. Well-nourished children have stronger immune systems and improved
overall health, making them more resistant to illness and disease, with better
outcomes for brain development and human potential.
adolescent girls
Well-nourished girls have better access to education, learn
better, earn more over their lifetime, and can contribute better to their
families, communities, and countries.
pregnant women and newborns
Work on the strength of ladies and their infants by supporting ladies' sustenance from origination to post pregnancy and by supporting early and elite breastfeeding.
women
Women and girls can have better opportunities to earn,
learn, grow and lead if they have adequate nutrition. They should be strong
advocates for their own health and nutrition.
Government
These are linked by research, technical assistance, advocacy
and partnerships to improve policies and programmes, and increase resources
that help governments implement nutrition initiatives.
general population
They are committed to reducing malnutrition for all people,
leading salt iodization and food fortification initiatives that can effectively
combat widespread micronutrient deficiencies.
how do they help
infant and young child nutrition
The Nutrition International Infant and Young Child Nutrition
Program promotes exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding, which are
essential for children to obtain all the nutrients they need for healthy
development.
adolescent nutrition
Nutrition International provides proven nutritional
interventions, provides nutrition education, and integrates nutrition into new
platforms to improve the well-being of adolescents, especially girls.
maternal and newborn health
Nutrition International Maternal and newborn health are
linked. Good nutrition in the first 1,000 days supports a healthy start for
babies, while pregnant women need good nutrition for the health of themselves
and their babies.
supplement
Supplement provides a simple, low-cost solution that saves
and improves the lives of children, adolescent girls and women.
Durg
Large-scale food fortification of the most commonly consumed
staple foods and spices is a proven, sustainable and cost-effective solution to
address some of the most common micronutrient deficiencies.
nutrition education
Well-nourished teens are healthier and do better in school.
More education leads to better long term health and better nutrition.
Adolescence is the time to establish a healthy diet.
gender equality
We apply a gender lens to all of our programs, projects and
partnerships to ensure that women and girls are empowered to advocate for their
own health and nutrition.
behavior change
We take an evidence-based social marketing approach to
design and implement behavior change interventions that include creating an
enabling environment through social and policy changes.
Effect
Through our research, technical assistance, partnerships and
support, we improve nutrition policies and programs and increase resources for
nutrition around the world.
NLIFT
The health of women and adolescent girls is at the heart of
all the activities of NLIFT. Our mission to improve women's nutrition and
support women's equality and agency is embedded in each of our investments.
