Solving the micronutrient problem in the Asia Pacific region

Over two billion people, or more than one out of three individuals throughout the world, are at risk of iron, vitamin A and iodine deficiencies. Although countries of the Asia Pacific region have generally shown a remarkable decline in the proportion of malnourished children, micronutrient deficiencies remain significant public health problems. The World Summit for Children in 1990, and the FAO/WHO International Conference on Nutrition held in Rome in 1992, affirmed that the elimination of the various forms of micronutrient malnutrition would constitute a significant contribution to social, economic and public health development. Governments and non-governmental organisations from virtually all nations, together with the international development community, have made the elimination of iodine deficiency disorders and vitamin A deficiency important goals to be achieved by the end of the decade, along with a substantial reduction in the levels of iron deficiency anaemia. A further important factor in implementing multisectoral micronutrient interventions is the cost-effectiveness of such interventions. The three main complementary intervention strategies to controlling and preventing micronutrient deficiencies are: (i) food-based approaches such as fortification and dietary diversification; (ii) supplementation when appropriate; and (iii) public health measures to control infection, including incorporating micronutrients into other child survival activities such as immunisation. Much of the global experience in these strategies comes from countries of the Asia Pacific region, with some significant examples of success.