GAIN reduces malnutrition in high-burden countries

GAIN - the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition released today its 2008-2009 Annual Report. The report confirms the effectiveness of GAIN's work in reducing malnutrition in high-burden countries. GAIN's national food fortification projects are reaching more than 200 million people, including more than 108.3 million women and young children. "Our attention to measuring the impact of our programs has brought a more rigorous approach to program design," said Marc Van Ameringen, Executive Director of GAIN. "Our multi-stakeholder national food fortification projects are reaching large scale populations."

According to FAO, more than 1 billion people will suffer from hunger in 2009. "The current global financial crisis has aggravated an already severe situation of world hunger and poverty," said Jay Naidoo, chair of GAIN Board. "GAIN believes solutions exist to improve nutrition for those most at risk. Improving the diet, particularly of mothers and children, is integral to addressing the global targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)."

Infants from conception up to two years of age are the most vulnerable to the long term negative consequences of malnutrition. The first twenty four months of life represent the period of highest vulnerability but also the greatest window of opportunity for investments in healthy development. This year, GAIN's Infant and Young Child Nutrition Program (IYCN) awarded grants in Bangladesh, Cote d'Ivoire and India to produce and deliver high quality multi-nutrient powders and complementary food to vulnerable children and low-income families. The goal of this program is to improve nutrition and reduce anemia in at least ten million children aged 6 to 24 months old.