Ministry of Health develops baby food supplements

16 Nov, 2014 - 06:11 0 Views
Ministry of Health develops baby food supplements

The Sunday Mail

The Ministry of Health and Child Care will in early 2015 introduce new food supplements for infants between six months and two years old to prevent stunting. Stunting — defined as retarded growth — is caused by persistent malnutrition in early childhood and becomes irreversible at 36 months. According to the 2012 Micro-Nutrient Survey Report, stunting is prevalent among under-nourished Zimbabwean children aged five years and below.

The report states that 21 percent of children are Vitamin A deficient; 31 percent are anaemic while another 72 percent lack sufficient iron. The deficiencies are more pronounced in rural areas.

Ministry of Health and Child Care director (family health), Dr Bernard Madzima said the supplements comprise powders that contain micro-nutrients such as zinc, iron and Vitamin A.

“The powders will be mixed with porridge or soup and fed to the children as part of their diet. Consultations are taking place after which we will begin this programme,” said Dr Madzima. Zimbabwe’s stunting rate has increased over the last 15 years, but is still lower compared to other sub-Saharan countries.

One in every three Zimbabwean children suffers from chronic malnutrition or stunting, according to health reports.

In 2011, the World Health Organisation issued guidelines on using micro-nutrient powders to reduce child mortality and eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, which are both Millennium Development Goals.

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