| Micronutrient |
Estimated impact and efforts to address |
| Iodine |
Associated with brain damage. Easily mitrgated with iodized salt While incidence has declined dramatically in recent years due to the unroersal adoption of salt rodizahon starting in 1993. WHO estimates that 54 countnes still have some odme deticiency. |
| Vitamin A |
Associated with bhndness and mcreased rich Of disease and death tar small cliadren and pregnant women. Can be addressed through supplements, wtrclr axe now estimated to reach chridren at least once a year in 40 countnes. The UN Standing COntmrflee on NatntOn (UN/SCN) estimates that 140 milliOn children and? mrlhon pregnant women are VA dehcerit. pnnrarrly in Africa and South/Southeast Asia.In 1998. WHO. UNICEF. Canadian International Development Agency. USAID,and the Micoonutnent Initialise launched the VA Global tnrtative. This provides support to countnes in delrvenng VA supplements. |
| iron |
Associated with maternal death, impaired physical and cognitive development, increased nsk 01 rnnxbiddy in children, and reduced worti productisrty in adults. Can be addressed through tortihcat,on of wtreat products. WHO eslenates 2 billiOn people are anemic, and this is frequently exacerbated by infectious diseases. Malana, HIVI AIDS, hookworm intestatOn, schistosonriasis, and tuberculosis contribute to a high prevalence of anemia in some areas. Efforts to increase iron intake must be accompanied by efforts to control inleclious disease |
| Zinc |
Associated with reduced immnne stales in neonates and children. Prelirnmaiy research shows thaI addilional zinc can reduce incidence ol diarrhea end pneixnon/a m chrldren and improves maternal health. One estimate shows zinc as close to iron dehciency m contribution to Ihe global burden of disease. Can be provided through supplements. |
| Fiat ate |
Deficiency associated with increased risk of maternal death and complications in beth; also associated vath neural tube delects ix intents and with an estimated 200,000 severe birth defects every year. Can be addressed through tortilication wheat products. |
