Earlier this month Sight and Life released a report summarizing the second international meeting of the Micronutrient Forum, a four-day event held from May 12-15th in Beijing, China. The meeting brought together 670 delegates from 70 different countries, ranging from in-country program implementers to representatives of the private sector. Participants were charged with identifying which interventions work at scale and documenting gaps in evidence and programmatic practices.

Vitamin A supplementation was one of the child survival interventions reviewed. Revised WHO data released at the meeting estimates that approximately 190 million preschool-aged children (33%) and 19.1 million pregnant women (15.3%) worldwide are affected by vitamin A deficiency (serum retinol <.70µmol/L). The report points out, however, that vitamin A supplementation (VAS) programs over the past decade have been remarkably successful in preventing the consequences of deficiency. “Semi-annual Child Health Days have become regular events organized by countries to deliver vitamin A as a part of an integrated package of preventive services. These events have enabled programs in some of the least developed countries to sustain twice-yearly coverage in excess of 80%.” But challenges remain in testing and implementing delivery strategies to reach the remaining 10- 20% of children. Still, program managers were urged to focus on coverage rather than investing in mortality or serum retinol assessments. The desired impact will not be achieved until the remaining out-of-reach children, those who are at greatest risk of deficiency, are consistently supplemented.

Presentations at the meeting provided further support for antenatal iron and folic acid supplementation as well. Evidence showed a reduced risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight, and benefits to neonatal and overall childhood survival. Participants, however, stressed the need for well-documented programmatic successes.

Dr. Alfred Sommer, the Chair of the Micronutrient Forum Steering Committee, concluded the meeting by reflecting on the progress made over the past few decades, but stressed that unless there are some dramatic new insights, the micronutrient community already has the knowledge and evidence necesssary to move forward. Programs will drive the agenda; there are new issues of concern. “Supply chain logistics, management, social marketing, etc.” are all areas in which the private sector excels and broad-based coalitions are essential to improving and sustaining micronutrient nutrition. 

Read the full meeting summary by Sight and Life>>

Read more about our vitamin A supplementation program>>