Need, Efficacy, and Effectiveness of Multiple Vitamin/Mineral Supplements for Young Children and Considerations for Programs

Abstract

Undernutrition contributes to the deaths of approximately 5.6 million children under 5 years of age in lowand middle-income countries per year [1] because more than 50% of young children’s deaths from infectious diseases such as malaria, pneumonia, diarrhea, and measles have undernutrition as an underlying cause [2, 3]. In addition, due to undernutrition, many more children suffer from stunted growth and reduced mental capacity and are likely to live a life of poverty and ignorance. In 2000, the eight Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) were endorsed by 189 countries. The first MDG is to halve the proportion of the world’s poor (target 1) and hungry (target 2) by 2015. Bringing an end to child hunger and undernutrition also contributes to achieving five of the other seven MDGs: MDG-2 on universal primary education, MDG-3 on gender equality, MDG-4 on reducing child mortality, MDG-5 on improving maternal health, and MDG-6 on combating HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases. With regard to progress toward achieving the MDGs, between 1990 and 2000, the number of underweight children younger than 5 years decreased by approximately 1.7% per year. Although the decline is positive, it needs to be accelerated, and there is considerable variation among regions and countries. South Asia has the highest rates of malnutrition, 46%, and the largest numbers, whereas malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa, which stands at 28%, is on the rise. These trends mean that the world is not making adequate progress toward the MDGs. Persistent malnutrition means that MDG-1 is not being achieved but also seriously hampers progress toward the other goals in maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS, education, and gender equity. The causes of child hunger are predictable and preventable and can be addressed through affordable means. Investment in nutrition reduces poverty, increases educational outcomes, and boosts productivity throughout the life cycle and across generations. And, not addressing child hunger and undernutrition costs US $20 billion to $30 billion