About Micronutrient initiative
Micronutrient Initiative: Leading the Global Fight Against Malnutrition
Micronutrient Initiative, now known as Nutrition International, is a global organization that has been working tirelessly for over 25 years to fight malnutrition. The organization was founded in 1992 with the aim of addressing micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries. Since then, it has expanded its scope to include maternal and child health, adolescent nutrition, and food fortification.
Nutrition International's mission is to ensure that everyone has access to the essential nutrients they need for a healthy life. The organization works with governments, NGOs, and other partners to implement evidence-based programs that improve nutrition outcomes at scale.
One of Nutrition International's key areas of focus is on reaching vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and young children. The organization provides supplements such as iron-folic acid tablets and vitamin A capsules to prevent anemia and blindness respectively. It also supports community-based interventions such as promoting exclusive breastfeeding and improving hygiene practices.
Another important aspect of Nutrition International's work is food fortification. This involves adding essential vitamins and minerals to staple foods such as flour or salt. Food fortification is a cost-effective way of improving nutrition outcomes at scale since it does not require individuals to change their dietary habits.
Nutrition International also works on advocacy efforts aimed at raising awareness about the importance of good nutrition for health and development. The organization collaborates with governments, civil society organizations, academia, media outlets among others in order to promote policies that support good nutrition practices.
Over the years Nutrition International has achieved significant milestones in its fight against malnutrition. For instance:
- In 2019 alone it reached over 30 million people with essential vitamins and minerals.
- It supported the introduction of mandatory wheat flour fortification in Pakistan which will benefit over 100 million people.
- It played a key role in advocating for increased funding for global nutrition programs during the G7 summit held in Canada in 2018.
Nutrition International's work is guided by a set of core values which include:
- A commitment to evidence-based programming
- A focus on results and impact
- A belief in the power of partnerships
- A dedication to equity and social justice
In conclusion, Nutrition International is a global leader in the fight against malnutrition. Its evidence-based programs, advocacy efforts, and partnerships have helped improve nutrition outcomes for millions of people around the world. The organization's commitment to equity and social justice ensures that it reaches vulnerable populations who are most affected by malnutrition. With its continued efforts, Nutrition International is well-positioned to make significant strides towards ending malnutrition once and for all.