Micronutrient Initiative

Micronutrient Initiative
Founded 1992
Founder International Development Research Centre
Focus Healthcare, education
Location
Area served
Worldwide
Revenue
$53,224,724 (2014) [USD] [1]
Employees
45 head office, 150 worldwide
Slogan Solutions for hidden hunger
Website Micronutrient Initiative

The Micronutrient Initiative (MI) is an international not for profit agency based in Canada that works to eliminate vitamin and mineral deficiencies in developing countries.[2] Although often only required by the body in very small amounts, vitamin and minerals – also known as micronutrients – support an array of critical biological functions including growth, immune function and eye function, as well as foetal development of the brain, the nervous system, and the skeletal system. Micronutrient deficiency is a form of malnutrition and is a recognized health problem in many developing countries.[3] Globally, more than two billion people live with vitamin and mineral deficiencies.[4]

History

In 1990, leaders attending the World Summit for Children set the goal of virtually eliminating micronutrient deficiencies.[5] In 1992, Micronutrient Initiative was established as a secretariat within the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), based in Ottawa, Canada, to support progress toward that goal. In 1993 IDRC recruited an executive director for the secretariat and transferred 2–3 of its staff to the new organization.[6] Venkatesh Mannar took over in June 1994 as the executive director. Until 2000, MI was governed by a steering committee composed of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the International Development Research Centre, UNICEF, The World Bank, and USAID. In 2000, MI became an independent not-for-profit organization.[7] Joel Spicer became President in February 2014.[8]

Work

The organization advocates for, and provides funding and technical assistance for salt iodisation, the distribution of multi-micronutrient powders, the 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. Since 1997, with funding support from the Government of Canada, the Micronutrient Initiative has provided more than eight billion doses of vitamin A for use by UNICEF and national governments.[9]

MI is credited with playing a pioneering role in engaging corporations and trade associations at both the global and national level in partnerships to improve micronutrient nutrition.[10]

Organization

The staff of MI 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, Nepal and Pakistan.

Publications

References

  1. ↑ Financial Statements, March 31, 2014
  2. ↑ Plus 5 Review of the 2002 Special Session on Children and World Fit for Children Plan of Action: Response by Canada, p. 16.
  3. ↑ Bhan, Maharaj K; Sommerfelt, Halvor; Strand, Tor (2007). "Micronutrient deficiency in children". British Journal of Nutrition. 85: S199–203. doi:10.1079/BJN2001315. PMID 11509111.
  4. ↑ Flour Fortification Initiative, GAIN, Micronutrient Initiative, USAID, The World Bank, UNICEF, Investing in the Future: A United Call to Action on Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies, 2009, p. 1
  5. ↑ UNICEF, Plan of Action for Implementing the World Declaration on the Survival, Protection and Development of Children in the 1990s, #13.
  6. ↑ Sanghvi T, Ross J, Heymann H., "Why is reducing vitamin and mineral deficiencies critical for development?" Food and Nutrition Bulletin, 2007, 28(1S), p. 167.
  7. ↑ UNICEF Canada, Global Child Survival and Health: A 50-year Progress Report from UNICEF Canada, p. 68.
  8. ↑ http://www.micronutrient.org/English/view.asp?x=656&id=113
  9. ↑ http://www.micronutrient.org/English/view.asp?x=656&id=128
  10. ↑ Harvard University - John F. Kennedy School of Management, The Conference Board, International Business Leaders Forum, Business as a Partner in Overcoming Malnutrition: An Agenda for Action, p. 12.
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