Abstract: This article identifies four types of programs in Tanzania that aim to reduce malnutrition: the Child Survival Protection and Development Program (CSPD), the National Micronutrient Malnutrition Control Program, the Nutrition Surveillance Program, and the Household Food Security Program. Future actions for improving nutrition are included in the National Plan of Action for Nutrition. The program success is indicative of political will and government commitment, a mobilization of resources, and the capacity to implement programs. During 1984-92 the percentage of malnourished young children in 6 CSPD programs declined from around 50% to around 30%. The percentage of severely malnourished children declined from 6% to around 2%. The caveat of these findings is that the declines do not account for recurrences or include the occurrence of malnutrition among siblings. More sustained improvement in children and other family members is possible with community-based nutrition rehabilitation, which emphasizes the role of parents and community leaders. The micronutrient control program aims to prevent and control iodine deficiency disorders, vitamin A deficiencies, and iron deficiency anemia. The program distributes iodized oil and vitamin A capsules and promotes the production and consumption of foods rich in iron and folic acid. The long-term goal is universal salt iodization and stimulation of demand for food rich in vitamin A, folic acid, and iron. Nutrition surveillance aims to systemize data for use by national leaders in planning, to improve district-level capabilities, to educate the community about nutrition, and to empower communities to make decisions based on nutrition data. Household food security addressed food availability and stability of food supply, economic and social access to food, and food intake.
Publication Year: 1997
Publication Date: 1997-12-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['pubmed']
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Cited By Count: 15
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