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Lambrecht NJ, Müller-Hauser AA, Sobhan S, Schmidt WP, Huda TMN, Waid JL, Wendt AS, Kader A, Gabrysch S. Effect of a Homestead Food Production Program on the Prevalence of Diarrhea and Acute Respiratory Infection in Children in Sylhet, Bangladesh: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 109:945-956. [PMID: 37580032 PMCID: PMC10551083 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Diarrhea and respiratory illness are leading causes of mortality and morbidity among young children. We assessed the impact of a homestead food production intervention on diarrhea and acute respiratory infection (ARI) in children in Bangladesh, secondary outcomes of the Food and Agricultural Approaches to Reducing Malnutrition (FAARM) cluster-randomized trial. The trial enrolled 2,705 married women and their children 3 years or younger in 96 rural settlements (geographic clusters) in Sylhet Division, Bangladesh. The intervention promoted home gardening and poultry rearing alongside child nutrition and health counseling over 3 years (2015-2018). An 8-month food hygiene behavior change component using emotional drivers was delivered beginning in mid-2017. Caregiver-reported diarrhea and symptoms of ARI in the week preceding the survey were recorded every 2 months. We analyzed 32,460 observations of 3,276 children over 4 years and found that 3.9% of children had diarrhea and 3.4% had an ARI in the prior 7 days. There was no overall effect of the intervention on 7-day diarrhea period prevalence (odds ratio [OR], 0.92; 95% CI, 0.71-1.19), diarrhea point prevalence (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.78-1.36), or 7-day ARI period prevalence (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.88-1.60). There was no impact on diarrhea severity or differences in health-seeking behaviors. Our findings suggest that this homestead food production program was insufficient to reduce morbidity symptoms among children in a rural setting. More comprehensive water, sanitation, and hygiene measures, and behavioral recommendations may be needed to achieve impacts on child health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie J. Lambrecht
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Public Health, Berlin, Germany
- Research Department 2, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Member of the Leibniz Association, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Anna A. Müller-Hauser
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Public Health, Berlin, Germany
- Research Department 2, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Member of the Leibniz Association, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Shafinaz Sobhan
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Public Health, Berlin, Germany
- Research Department 2, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Member of the Leibniz Association, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Wolf-Peter Schmidt
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tarique Md. Nurul Huda
- Department of Public Health, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Qassim University, Al Bukairiyah, Saudi Arabia
- Environmental Interventions Unit, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Jillian L. Waid
- Research Department 2, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Member of the Leibniz Association, Potsdam, Germany
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Amanda S. Wendt
- Research Department 2, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Member of the Leibniz Association, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Abdul Kader
- Bangladesh Country Office, Helen Keller International, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sabine Gabrysch
- Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Public Health, Berlin, Germany
- Research Department 2, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Member of the Leibniz Association, Potsdam, Germany
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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2
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Bechoff A, de Bruyn J, Alpha A, Wieringa F, Greffeuille V. Exploring the Complementarity of Fortification and Dietary Diversification to Combat Micronutrient Deficiencies: A Scoping Review. Curr Dev Nutr 2023; 7:100033. [PMID: 37180084 PMCID: PMC10111601 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdnut.2023.100033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Achieving a balanced and diverse diet remains a challenge for many people, contributing to an ongoing burden of micronutrient deficiencies, particularly in low-income settings. Fortification or dietary diversification are common food-based approaches. We conducted a scoping review to: 1) find evidence on whether combined food-based strategies are more effective than single strategies, and 2) understand how strategies implemented together could complement each other to achieve optimal nutritional impact on populations. Peer-reviewed articles selected (n = 21) included interventions or observational studies (n = 13) and reviews (n = 8). We found little evidence of an added nutritional impact. On the other hand, it is apparent that fortification and dietary diversification target different types of settings (urban compared with rural) and foods (that is, low priced compared with highly priced). Further research is needed to understand the complementarity of these approaches and establish evidence of the effectiveness of combined strategies to foster policy adoption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Bechoff
- Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Chatham, United Kingdom
| | - Julia de Bruyn
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Arlène Alpha
- Centre de Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
| | - Frank Wieringa
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
- Unité Mixte de Recherche Qualisud, (alliance between Université Montpellier, Université Avignon, Centre de Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, Institut Agro, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement and Université de la Réunion), Montpellier, France
| | - Valérie Greffeuille
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
- Unité Mixte de Recherche Qualisud, (alliance between Université Montpellier, Université Avignon, Centre de Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, Institut Agro, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement and Université de la Réunion), Montpellier, France
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3
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Boedecker J, Lachat C, Hawwash D, Van Damme P, Nowicki M, Termote C. Pathways to Diverse Diets-a Retrospective Analysis of a Participatory Nutrition-Sensitive Project in Kenya. Curr Dev Nutr 2021; 5:nzab140. [PMID: 35024542 PMCID: PMC8737113 DOI: 10.1093/cdn/nzab140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a current need for better understanding the impact of nutrition-sensitive agriculture interventions. This study is based on a community-based participatory project that diversified diets of women and children by making use of local food biodiversity. This retrospective impact pathway analysis aims at explaining why and how impact was reached. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to understand how a nutrition-sensitive agriculture project improved people's diets by analyzing the pathways from agriculture to nutrition. It also aimed to test theoretical pathways by comparing the documented pathways with those from a widely used framework from the literature. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted in 2019 through 10 semistructured focus group discussions with community members engaging in the project and 5 key informant interviews with local authorities that worked with these communities during the project. Summative content analysis was used to identify pathways through which the project affected diets of beneficiaries. The defined pathways were compared with the pathways of the widely used Tackling the Agriculture-Nutrition Disconnect in India (TANDI) framework from the literature. RESULTS Out of the agriculture-nutrition pathways that are presented in the literature, 3 were found in the responses: 1) food from own production; 2) income from sale of foods produced; and 3) women's empowerment through access to and control over resources. In addition, 5 other pathways were identified and indicated spillover effects from the intervention to the control participants, increased nutrition knowledge, improved health, savings, and empowerment and harmony in the household. CONCLUSIONS Pathway analysis in nutrition-sensitive agriculture can provide valuable understanding on how and why dietary improvements have been achieved in an intervention. The approach can hence be instrumental in addressing the current demand within the field on understanding the progress and impact of interventions. Pathway analysis also helps to address knowledge gaps regarding theoretical frameworks, as in the present study, concerning women empowerment pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Boedecker
- Food Environment and Consumer Behaviour Lever, The Alliance of Bioversity International and International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) , Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Carl Lachat
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dana Hawwash
- Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Marisa Nowicki
- Food Environment and Consumer Behaviour Lever, The Alliance of Bioversity International and International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) , Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Céline Termote
- Food Environment and Consumer Behaviour Lever, The Alliance of Bioversity International and International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) , Nairobi, Kenya
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Rikhotso IP, Faber M, Rothman M, Matsungo TM, Lombard C, Smuts CM. Nutritional status and psychomotor development in 12–18-month-old children in a post-intervention study. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL NUTRITION 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/16070658.2021.1951950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Idah P Rikhotso
- Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Mieke Faber
- Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Marinel Rothman
- Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Tonderayi M Matsungo
- Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Carl Lombard
- Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Cornelius M Smuts
- Centre of Excellence for Nutrition, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Nutrition Research Network: A Home Garden Intervention Improves Child Length-for-Age Z-Score and Household-Level Crop Count and Nutritional Functional Diversity in Rural Guatemala. J Acad Nutr Diet 2021; 122:640-649.e12. [PMID: 34020932 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2021.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Home gardens may help address childhood malnutrition in low- and middle-income countries. In this quasi-experimental pilot study, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, in collaboration with Maya Health Alliance, evaluated the feasibility of augmenting a standard-of-care nutrition-specific package for Maya children with length-for-age z score ≤-2 (stunting) in rural Guatemala with a nutrition-sensitive home garden intervention. Two agrarian municipalities in Guatemala were included. Families of 70 children with stunting from 1 municipality received the standard-of-care package (food supplementation, multiple micronutrient powders, monthly nutrition home visits, group nutrition classes). Families of 70 children with stunting from another municipality received the standard-of-care package plus a home garden intervention (garden materials, monthly agricultural home visits, agriculture classes). Maternal and child dietary diversity, household food insecurity, child growth, and agricultural indicators were collected at baseline and 6 months later and were analyzed using mixed linear and logistic regression models. Compared with the standard-of-care group, the garden intervention group had improved child (odds ratio [OR] 3.66, 95% CI 0.89-15.10, P = 0.07) and maternal dietary diversity (OR 2.31, 95% CI 0.80-6.65, P = 0.12) and decreased food insecurity (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.11-1.35, P = 0.14); however, these effects were not statistically significant. Participation in gardens predicted a higher length-for-age z-score (change difference [CD] 0.22 SD, 95% CI 0.05-0.38, P = 0.009), greater crop species count (CD 2.97 crops, 95% CI 1.79-4.16, P < 0.001), and greater nutritional functional diversity (CD 0.04 points, 95% CI 0.01-0.07, P = 0.006) than standard-of-care alone. Home garden interventions are feasible in rural Guatemala and may have potential benefits for child growth when added to other nutrition-specific interventions.
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Lambrecht NJ, Wilson ML, Baylin A, Folson G, Naabah S, Eisenberg JNS, Adu B, Jones AD. Associations between livestock ownership and lower odds of anaemia among children 6-59 months old are not mediated by animal-source food consumption in Ghana. MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION 2021; 17:e13163. [PMID: 33645904 PMCID: PMC8189243 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Livestock ownership may mitigate anaemia among young children by providing access to animal-source foods (ASFs) yet exacerbate anaemia by exposing children to animal-source pathogens. This study aimed to assess the association between household livestock ownership and child anaemia and examine whether this relationship is mediated by child ASF consumption or by child morbidity and inflammation. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 470 children aged 6-59 months in Greater Accra, Ghana. Child blood samples were analysed for haemoglobin concentration, iron status biomarkers and inflammatory biomarkers. Caregivers were asked about the child's frequency of ASF consumption in the past 3 months. Livestock ownership was categorized into five typologies to distinguish households by the number and combinations of species owned. In adjusted logistic regression, children from households in Type 5, owning cattle, small livestock (goats, sheep or pigs) and poultry, had lower odds of anaemia compared with those in Type 1, owning no livestock (OR [95% CI]: 0.32 [0.14, 0.71]). Although children from households that owned poultry were more likely to consume chicken meat, and children from households with cattle were more likely to drink cow's milk, consumption of these ASFs did not mediate the observed association between livestock ownership and child anaemia. There were no associations between livestock ownership and children's symptoms of illness or inflammation. Further research is needed to understand how ownership of certain livestock species, or a greater diversity of livestock species, may be associated with the risk of child anaemia, including the role of dietary and income-based pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie J Lambrecht
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Mark L Wilson
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Ana Baylin
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Gloria Folson
- Department of Nutrition, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | | | - Joseph N S Eisenberg
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Bright Adu
- Department of Immunology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
| | - Andrew D Jones
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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7
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Abu BAZ, Buttner N, Garror OD, Stefanic R, Sandow A, Pereko KA. Qualitative assessments of anemia-related programs in Ghana reveal gaps and implementation challenges. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2020; 1492:27-41. [PMID: 33368337 PMCID: PMC8246908 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
In spite of multiple program efforts in Ghana, progress in reducing the burden of anemia is slow. The objective was to conduct multilevel assessments of existing childhood (<5 years) anemia prevention and treatment programs according to UNICEF's conceptual framework of malnutrition, and to elucidate implementation gaps in Ghana. Purposive and snowball sampling strategies recruited 25 program personnel from 20 organizations to participate in audiorecorded interviews conducted through in‐person, telephone, or email correspondence in August 2018. Interview guides constructed around UNICEF's conceptual framework of malnutrition identified context‐specific immediate, underlying, and basic causes of anemia, and corresponding programs. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using the Dedoose software version 8.1.8. Few programs addressed identified basic causes of anemia, such as inadequate human resources, housing/water/toilet facilities, and poverty/poor access to financial resources. Organizations implemented programs addressing ≥1 underlying cause. Five organizations provided food rations and/or supplements to address immediate causes. A key food‐based gap identified was minimal education on fruit intake or antinutritive factors in foods; however, no interventions included vitamin C supplements. Food manufacturers mainly used cereals and grains in commercial food products. Multiple organizations worked in the same region on anemia with instances of an overlapping program focus. Food sources of vitamin C or supplements could be promoted in food‐based interventions to increase the absorption of nonheme iron consumed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda A Z Abu
- Rochester Institute of Technology, College of Health Sciences and Technology, Wegmans School of Health and Nutrition, Rochester, New York
| | - Nicole Buttner
- Rochester Institute of Technology, College of Health Sciences and Technology, Wegmans School of Health and Nutrition, Rochester, New York
| | - Olivia D Garror
- Rochester Institute of Technology, College of Health Sciences and Technology, Wegmans School of Health and Nutrition, Rochester, New York
| | - Rachel Stefanic
- Rochester Institute of Technology, College of Health Sciences and Technology, Wegmans School of Health and Nutrition, Rochester, New York
| | - Adam Sandow
- Point Hope International, Ghana Program, Kasoa, Ghana
| | - Kinglsey A Pereko
- Community Medicine, University of Cape Coast School of Medical Sciences, Cape Coast, Ghana
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van den Bold M, Bliznashka L, Ramani G, Olney D, Quisumbing A, Pedehombga A, Ouedraogo M. Nutrition-sensitive agriculture programme impacts on time use and associations with nutrition outcomes. MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION 2020; 17:e13104. [PMID: 33300682 PMCID: PMC7988849 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Success of nutrition-sensitive agriculture programmes targeted to women may be influenced by increased demands on women's and other household members' time and by time-related trade-offs to accommodate programme participation. However, evidence of how such programmes impact time use and whether changes in time-related demands negatively influence maternal or child health and nutrition outcomes is limited. This paper examines the impact of Helen Keller International's Enhanced Homestead Food Production programme in Burkina Faso (2010-2012) on women's and men's time use and associations between changes in women's time use and maternal and child health and nutrition outcomes. We used quantitative data from a cluster-randomized controlled trial (baseline 2010, endline 2012) and qualitative data from two rounds of process evaluation (2011, 2012). Two-stage analyses were used to first assess programme impacts on women's and men's time use using difference-in-difference impact estimates and second to evaluate whether programme impacts on women's time use were associated with changes in women's and children's health and nutrition outcomes. Programme impacts were considered significant if corrected P < 0.01, and associations were considered significant if p < 0.05 and p < 0.01. Qualitative data were analysed through manual coding and by calculating the means and standard deviations for the time spent by women and men on activities in intervention and control groups. Findings show that the programme significantly increased the amount of time women spent on agriculture in the intervention compared to the control group, but this was not associated with changes in maternal or child health or nutrition outcomes. Process evaluation data supported these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara van den Bold
- Poverty, Health and Nutrition Division, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Lilia Bliznashka
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gayathri Ramani
- Poverty, Health and Nutrition Division, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Deanna Olney
- Poverty, Health and Nutrition Division, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Agnes Quisumbing
- Poverty, Health and Nutrition Division, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Washington, D.C., USA
| | | | - Marcellin Ouedraogo
- Projet d'amélioration de l'Alimentation de la nutrition et de l'Hygiène en milieu familial (PAH/GIZ), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
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9
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Bassey C, Crooks H, Paterson K, Ball R, Howell K, Humphries-Cuff I, Gaffigan K, Rao N, Whitty JA, Hooper L. Impact of home food production on nutritional blindness, stunting, wasting, underweight and mortality in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2020; 62:1856-1869. [PMID: 33272038 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1848786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Vitamin A deficiency is highly prevalent and remains the major cause of nutritional blindness in children in low-and middle-income countries, despite supplementation programmes. Xeropthalmia (severe drying and thickening of the conjunctiva) is caused by vitamin A deficiency and leads to irreversible blindness. Vitamin A supplementation programmes effectively reduce vitamin A deficiency but many rural children are not reached. Home food production may help prevent rural children's vitamin A deficiency. We aimed to systematically review trials assessing effects of home food production (also called homestead food production and agricultural interventions) on xeropthalmia, nightblindness, stunting, wasting, underweight and mortality (primary outcomes). We searched Medline, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL and trials registers to February 2019. Inclusion of studies, data extraction and risk of bias were assessed independently in duplicate. Random-effects meta-analysis, sensitivity analyses, subgrouping and GRADE were used. We included 16 trials randomizing 2498 children, none reported xerophthalmia, night-blindness or mortality. Home food production may slightly reduce stunting (mean difference (MD) 0.13 (z-score), 95% CI 0.01 to 0.24), wasting (MD 0.05 (z-score), 95% CI -0.04 to 0.14) and underweight (MD 0.07 (z-score), 95% CI -0.01 to 0.15) in young children (all GRADE low-consistency evidence), and increase dietary diversity (standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.24, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.34). Home food production may usefully complement vitamin A supplementation for rural children. Large, long-duration trials with good randomization, allocation concealment and correct adjustment for clustering are needed to assess effectiveness of home food production on nutritional blindness in young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chizoba Bassey
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Harriet Crooks
- Student Services, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Katherine Paterson
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, UK
| | - Rachel Ball
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, UK
| | - Kristoffer Howell
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, UK
| | - Iona Humphries-Cuff
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, UK
| | - Kirsty Gaffigan
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, UK
| | - Nitya Rao
- School of Developmental Studies, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Jennifer A Whitty
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.,National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) East of England, UK
| | - Lee Hooper
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
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10
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Park JJH, Harari O, Siden E, Dron L, Zannat NE, Singer J, Lester RT, Thorlund K, Mills EJ. Interventions to improve linear growth during complementary feeding period for children aged 6-24 months living in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Gates Open Res 2020; 3:1660. [PMID: 32259047 PMCID: PMC7096089 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13083.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Optimizing linear growth in children during complementary feeding period (CFP) (6-24 months) is critical for their development. Several interventions, such as micronutrient and food supplements, deworming, maternal education, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), could potentially be provided to prevent stunting, but their comparative effectiveness are currently unclear. In this study, we evaluated comparative effectiveness of interventions under these domains on child linear growth outcomes of height-for-age z-score (HAZ) and stunting (HAZ <-2SD) Methods: For this study, we searched for low- and middle-income country (LMIC)-based randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of aforementioned interventions provided to children during CFP. We searched for reports published until September 17, 2019 and hand-searched bibliographies of existing reviews. We performed random-effects network meta-analysis (NMA) for HAZ and stunting. Results: The evidence base for our NMA was based on 79 RCTs (96 papers) involving 81,786 children. Among the micronutrients, compared to standard-of-care, iron + folic acid (IFA) (mean difference =0.08; 95% credible interval [CrI]: 0.01, 0.15) and multiple micronutrients (MMN) (mean difference =0.06; 95%CrI: 0.01, 0.11) showed improvements for HAZ; MMN also reduced the risks for stunting (RR=0.86; 95%Crl: 0.73, 0.98), whereas IFA did not (RR=0.92; 95%Crl: 0.64, 1.23). For food supplements, flour in the caloric range of 270-340 kcal (RR=0.73; 95%Crl: 0.51, 1.00) and fortified lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) containing 220-285 kcal (RR=0.80; 95%Crl: 0.66, 0.97) decreased the risk of stunting compared to standard-of-care, but these interventions and other food supplements did not show improvements for HAZ. Deworming, maternal education, and WASH interventions did not show improvements for HAZ nor stunting. Conclusion: While we found micronutrient and food supplements to be effective for HAZ and/or stunting, the evidence base for other domains in this life stage was limited, highlighting the need for more investigation. Registration: PROSPERO CRD42018110449; registered on 17 October 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay J. H. Park
- Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- MTEK Sciences, Vancouver, BC, V5Z1J5, Canada
| | - Ofir Harari
- MTEK Sciences, Vancouver, BC, V5Z1J5, Canada
| | - Ellie Siden
- Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- MTEK Sciences, Vancouver, BC, V5Z1J5, Canada
| | - Louis Dron
- MTEK Sciences, Vancouver, BC, V5Z1J5, Canada
| | | | - Joel Singer
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Data and Methodology Program, CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Richard T. Lester
- Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Kristian Thorlund
- Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methodology, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Edward J. Mills
- Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methodology, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
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11
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Park JJH, Harari O, Siden E, Dron L, Zannat NE, Singer J, Lester RT, Thorlund K, Mills EJ. Interventions to improve linear growth during complementary feeding period for children aged 6-24 months living in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Gates Open Res 2020; 3:1660. [PMID: 32259047 PMCID: PMC7096089 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13083.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Optimizing linear growth in children during complementary feeding period (CFP) (6-24 months) is critical for their development. Several interventions, such as micronutrient and food supplements, deworming, maternal education, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), could potentially be provided to prevent stunting, but their comparative effectiveness are currently unclear. In this study, we evaluated comparative effectiveness of interventions under these domains on child linear growth outcomes of height-for-age z-score (HAZ) and stunting (HAZ <-2SD) Methods: For this study, we searched for low- and middle-income country (LMIC)-based randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of aforementioned interventions provided to children during CFP. We searched for reports published until September 17, 2019 and hand-searched bibliographies of existing reviews. We performed random-effects network meta-analysis (NMA) for HAZ and stunting. Results: The evidence base for our NMA was based on 79 RCTs (96 papers) involving 81,786 children. Among the micronutrients, compared to standard-of-care, iron + folic acid (IFA) (mean difference =0.08; 95% credible interval [CrI]: 0.01, 0.15) and multiple micronutrients (MMN) (mean difference =0.06; 95%CrI: 0.01, 0.11) showed improvements for HAZ; MMN also reduced the risks for stunting (RR=0.86; 95%Crl: 0.73, 0.98), whereas IFA did not (RR=0.92; 95%Crl: 0.64, 1.23). For food supplements, flour in the caloric range of 270-340 kcal (RR=0.73; 95%Crl: 0.51, 1.00) and fortified lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) containing 220-285 kcal (RR=0.80; 95%Crl: 0.66, 0.97) decreased the risk of stunting compared to standard-of-care, but these interventions and other food supplements did not show improvements for HAZ. Deworming, maternal education, and WASH interventions did not show improvements for HAZ nor stunting. Conclusion: While we found micronutrient and food supplements to be effective for HAZ and/or stunting, the evidence base for other domains in this life stage was limited, highlighting the need for more investigation. Registration: PROSPERO
CRD42018110449; registered on 17 October 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay J H Park
- Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.,MTEK Sciences, Vancouver, BC, V5Z1J5, Canada
| | - Ofir Harari
- MTEK Sciences, Vancouver, BC, V5Z1J5, Canada
| | - Ellie Siden
- Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.,MTEK Sciences, Vancouver, BC, V5Z1J5, Canada
| | - Louis Dron
- MTEK Sciences, Vancouver, BC, V5Z1J5, Canada
| | | | - Joel Singer
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.,Data and Methodology Program, CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Richard T Lester
- Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Kristian Thorlund
- Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.,Department of Health Research Methodology, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Edward J Mills
- Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.,Department of Health Research Methodology, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
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12
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Sharma IK, Di Prima S, Essink D, Broerse JEW. Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture: A Systematic Review of Impact Pathways to Nutrition Outcomes. Adv Nutr 2020; 12:251-275. [PMID: 32970116 PMCID: PMC7850060 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmaa103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of agriculture in reducing undernutrition is widely recognized, yet there is also consensus on the need to make the sector nutrition-sensitive. Evidence on the impact pathways from nutrition-sensitive agriculture (NSA) interventions, agricultural interventions with specific nutrition objectives, and actions detailing each temporal stage to reach nutrition outcomes is limited, however. We thus synthesized study results regarding impact of NSA interventions on nutrition outcomes relating to undernutrition, and constructed an impact pathway by mapping the evidence on each temporal stage from interventions to nutrition outcomes. We used Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses to conduct and report our systematic review of studies on NSA interventions implemented in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Forty-three studies that met the inclusion criteria were extracted and synthesized across impact and pathways analyses. We carried out a thematic analysis of the effect of NSA interventions using evidence-based indicators and constructed the pathways by adopting a published framework on agriculture to nutrition pathways. Our findings reveal that NSA interventions can significantly improve dietary practices, and have the potential to enhance care practices and reduce occurrence of diseases, indicating their effectiveness in simultaneously addressing multiple determinants of undernutrition. However, NSA interventions have a lesser impact on nutritional status. NSA interventions lead to nutrition outcomes through 5 key pathways: food production, nutrition-related knowledge, agricultural income, women's empowerment, and strengthening of local institutions. We emphasize the need to carefully design, implement, and evaluate interventions with consideration for factors affecting impact pathways. Future research should focus on the effect of interventions combining multisector components, and pathways through non-food-production-related income, women's empowerment, strengthening of local institutions, food prices at intervention level, and expenditure on health care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sabina Di Prima
- Athena Institute, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Dirk Essink
- Athena Institute, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline E W Broerse
- Athena Institute, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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13
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Suchdev PS, Jefferds MED, Ota E, da Silva Lopes K, De‐Regil LM. Home fortification of foods with multiple micronutrient powders for health and nutrition in children under two years of age. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 2:CD008959. [PMID: 32107773 PMCID: PMC7046492 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd008959.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, particularly those of iron, vitamin A, and zinc, affect more than two billion people worldwide. Young children are highly vulnerable because of rapid growth and inadequate dietary practices. Multiple micronutrient powders (MNPs) are single-dose packets containing multiple vitamins and minerals in powder form, which are mixed into any semi-solid food for children six months of age or older. The use of MNPs for home or point-of-use fortification of complementary foods has been proposed as an intervention for improving micronutrient intake in children under two years of age. In 2014, MNP interventions were implemented in 43 countries and reached over three million children. This review updates a previous Cochrane Review, which has become out-of-date. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects and safety of home (point-of-use) fortification of foods with MNPs on nutrition, health, and developmental outcomes in children under two years of age. For the purposes of this review, home fortification with MNP refers to the addition of powders containing vitamins and minerals to semi-solid foods immediately before consumption. This can be done at home or at any other place that meals are consumed (e.g. schools, refugee camps). For this reason, MNPs are also referred to as point-of-use fortification. SEARCH METHODS We searched the following databases up to July 2019: CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and eight other databases. We also searched four trials registers, contacted relevant organisations and authors of included studies to identify any ongoing or unpublished studies, and searched the reference lists of included studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs with individual randomisation or cluster-randomisation. Participants were infants and young children aged 6 to 23 months at the time of intervention, with no identified specific health problems. The intervention consisted of consumption of food fortified at the point of use with MNP formulated with at least iron, zinc, and vitamin A, compared with placebo, no intervention, or use of iron-containing supplements, which is standard practice. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed the eligibility of studies against the inclusion criteria, extracted data from included studies, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. We reported categorical outcomes as risk ratios (RRs) or odds ratios (ORs), with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and continuous outcomes as mean differences (MDs) and 95% CIs. We used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of evidence. MAIN RESULTS We included 29 studies (33,147 children) conducted in low- and middle-income countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean, where anaemia is a public health problem. Twenty-six studies with 27,051 children contributed data. The interventions lasted between 2 and 44 months, and the powder formulations contained between 5 and 22 nutrients. Among the 26 studies contributing data, 24 studies (26,486 children) compared the use of MNP versus no intervention or placebo; the two remaining studies compared the use of MNP versus an iron-only supplement (iron drops) given daily. The main outcomes of interest were related to anaemia and iron status. We assessed most of the included studies at low risk of selection and attrition bias. We considered some studies to be at high risk of performance and detection bias due to lack of blinding. Most studies were funded by government programmes or foundations; only two were funded by industry. Home fortification with MNP, compared with no intervention or placebo, reduced the risk of anaemia in infants and young children by 18% (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.90; 16 studies; 9927 children; moderate-certainty evidence) and iron deficiency by 53% (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.56; 7 studies; 1634 children; high-certainty evidence). Children receiving MNP had higher haemoglobin concentrations (MD 2.74 g/L, 95% CI 1.95 to 3.53; 20 studies; 10,509 children; low-certainty evidence) and higher iron status (MD 12.93 μg/L, 95% CI 7.41 to 18.45; 7 studies; 2612 children; moderate-certainty evidence) at follow-up compared with children receiving the control intervention. We did not find an effect on weight-for-age (MD 0.02, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.07; 10 studies; 9287 children; moderate-certainty evidence). Few studies reported morbidity outcomes (three to five studies each outcome) and definitions varied, but MNP did not increase diarrhoea, upper respiratory infection, malaria, or all-cause morbidity. In comparison with daily iron supplementation, the use of MNP produced similar results for anaemia (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.39; 1 study; 145 children; low-certainty evidence) and haemoglobin concentrations (MD -2.81 g/L, 95% CI -10.84 to 5.22; 2 studies; 278 children; very low-certainty evidence) but less diarrhoea (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.72; 1 study; 262 children; low-certainty of evidence). However, given the limited quantity of data, these results should be interpreted cautiously. Reporting of death was infrequent, although no trials reported deaths attributable to the intervention. Information on side effects and morbidity, including malaria and diarrhoea, was scarce. It appears that use of MNP is efficacious among infants and young children aged 6 to 23 months who are living in settings with different prevalences of anaemia and malaria endemicity, regardless of intervention duration. MNP intake adherence was variable and in some cases comparable to that achieved in infants and young children receiving standard iron supplements as drops or syrups. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Home fortification of foods with MNP is an effective intervention for reducing anaemia and iron deficiency in children younger than two years of age. Providing MNP is better than providing no intervention or placebo and may be comparable to using daily iron supplementation. The benefits of this intervention as a child survival strategy or for developmental outcomes are unclear. Further investigation of morbidity outcomes, including malaria and diarrhoea, is needed. MNP intake adherence was variable and in some cases comparable to that achieved in infants and young children receiving standard iron supplements as drops or syrups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parminder S Suchdev
- Emory UniversityDepartment of Pediatrics1760 Haygood DrAtlantaGAUSA30322
- Centers for Disease Control and PreventionNutrition Branch, Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and ObesityAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Maria Elena D Jefferds
- Centers for Disease Control and PreventionNutrition Branch, Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and ObesityAtlantaGAUSA
| | - Erika Ota
- St. Luke's International UniversityGlobal Health Nursing, Graduate School of Nursing Science10‐1 Akashi‐choChuo‐KuTokyoMSJapan104‐0044
| | - Katharina da Silva Lopes
- St. Luke's International UniversityGraduate School of Public Health3‐6‐2 TsukijiChuo‐KuTokyoMSJapan104‐0045
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14
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Tam E, Keats EC, Rind F, Das JK, Bhutta ZA. Micronutrient Supplementation and Fortification Interventions on Health and Development Outcomes among Children Under-Five in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2020; 12:E289. [PMID: 31973225 PMCID: PMC7071447 DOI: 10.3390/nu12020289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Micronutrient deficiencies continue to be widespread among children under-five in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), despite the fact that several effective strategies now exist to prevent them. This kind of malnutrition can have several immediate and long-term consequences, including stunted growth, a higher risk of acquiring infections, and poor development outcomes, all of which may lead to a child not achieving his or her full potential. This review systematically synthesizes the available evidence on the strategies used to prevent micronutrient malnutrition among children under-five in LMICs, including single and multiple micronutrient (MMN) supplementation, lipid-based nutrient supplementation (LNS), targeted and large-scale fortification, and point-of-use-fortification with micronutrient powders (MNPs). We searched relevant databases and grey literature, retrieving 35,924 papers. After application of eligibility criteria, we included 197 unique studies. Of note, we examined the efficacy and effectiveness of interventions. We found that certain outcomes, such as anemia, responded to several intervention types. The risk of anemia was reduced with iron alone, iron-folic acid, MMN supplementation, MNPs, targeted fortification, and large-scale fortification. Stunting and underweight, however, were improved only among children who were provided with LNS, though MMN supplementation also slightly increased length-for-age z-scores. Vitamin A supplementation likely reduced all-cause mortality, while zinc supplementation decreased the incidence of diarrhea. Importantly, many effects of LNS and MNPs held when pooling data from effectiveness studies. Taken together, this evidence further supports the importance of these strategies for reducing the burden of micronutrient malnutrition in children. Population and context should be considered when selecting one or more appropriate interventions for programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Tam
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; (E.T.); (E.C.K.)
| | - Emily C. Keats
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; (E.T.); (E.C.K.)
| | - Fahad Rind
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child’s Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi 74800, Pakistan;
| | - Jai K. Das
- Division of Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi 74800, Pakistan;
| | - Zulfiqar A. Bhutta
- Centre for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; (E.T.); (E.C.K.)
- Centre of Excellence in Women and Child’s Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi 74800, Pakistan;
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15
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Lanou HB, Osendarp SJM, Argaw A, De Polnay K, Ouédraogo C, Kouanda S, Kolsteren P. Micronutrient powder supplements combined with nutrition education marginally improve growth amongst children aged 6-23 months in rural Burkina Faso: A cluster randomized controlled trial. MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION 2019; 15:e12820. [PMID: 30941887 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.12820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Micronutrients powder (MNP) can prevent anaemia amongst children 6-23 months old. However, evidence of an effect on growth is limited and concerns about the safety of iron-containing MNP interventions limits their applicability. In a cluster randomized controlled intervention, we evaluated the effectiveness of a nutritional package including counselling and provision of MNP to improve the nutritional status of children aged 6-23 months and the effect of sustained use of MNP on morbidity in a malaria-endemic area. Child feeding practises and nutritional status were assessed through cross-sectional surveys. Biweekly morbidity surveillance and anthropometry measurements were carried out in a nested cohort study. No significant differences in the prevalence of wasting (-0.7% [-6.8, 5.3] points; p = .805), stunting (+4.6% [-2.9, 12.0] points; p = .201), or mean length-for-age z-score and weight-for-length z-score scores were found between study groups. The proportion of children with a minimum dietary diversity score and those with a minimum acceptable diet significantly increased in the intervention group compared with the control by 6.5% points (p = .043) and 5.8% points (p = .037), respectively. There were no significant differences in the risk of diarrhoea (RR: 1.68, 95% CI [0.94, 3.08]), fever (RR: 1.20 [0.82, 1.77]), and malaria (RR: 0.68 [0.37, 1.26]) between study groups. In the nested study, the rate of linear growth was higher in the intervention than in the control group by 0.013 SD/month (p = .027). In a programmatic intervention, MNP and nutrition education marginally improved child feeding practises and growth, without increasing morbidity from malaria or fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermann B Lanou
- Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.,Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Alemayehu Argaw
- Nutrition International, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Population and Family Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Kirrily De Polnay
- Child Health and Nutrition Unit, Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Seni Kouanda
- Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, Institut de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | - Patrick Kolsteren
- Child Health and Nutrition Unit, Department of Public Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Food Technology, Safety and Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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16
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Larson LM, Kubes JN, Ramírez‐Luzuriaga MJ, Khishen S, H. Shankar A, Prado EL. Effects of increased hemoglobin on child growth, development, and disease: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2019; 1450:83-104. [DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria J. Ramírez‐Luzuriaga
- Doctoral Program in Nutrition and Health Sciences, Laney Graduate SchoolEmory University Atlanta Georgia
| | - Sarah Khishen
- Department of Public Health SciencesUniversity of California – Davis Davis California
| | - Anuraj H. Shankar
- Eijkman‐Oxford Clinical Research UnitEijkman Institute for Molecular Biology Jakarta Indonesia
- The Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of MedicineUniversity of Oxford Oxford United Kingdom
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17
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Lambrecht NJ, Wilson ML, Jones AD. Assessing the Impact of Animal Husbandry and Capture on Anemia among Women and Children in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review. Adv Nutr 2019; 10:331-344. [PMID: 30854553 PMCID: PMC6416043 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmy080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal husbandry and capture (AHC) may mitigate anemia among women and children by supplying a source of micronutrient-rich animal source foods (ASF), yet may concurrently increase exposure to anemia-inducing pathogens such as Plasmodium spp., helminths, and enteropathogens. We conducted a systematic literature review to assess the relation between AHC and anemia among women of reproductive age, school-aged children, and children aged <5 y in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We used a 2-stage screening process, in which 1 reviewer searched 4 databases (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Global Health) with predetermined search terms for relevant articles. Two reviewers then independently screened studies using a priori exclusion criteria, yielding a total of 23 articles included in the final review. We evaluated evidence from observational studies assessing animal-dependent livelihoods and livestock ownership, and interventions that promoted livestock and fish production. We found little consistency in anemia outcomes across the several AHC exposures and population groups. Poultry production interventions had modest benefits on anemia among women and children, although whether these improvements were a result of increased ASF consumption, or a result of the combined treatment study design could not be determined. Observational studies identified chicken ownership, and no other livestock species, as a risk factor for anemia among young children. However, there was limited evidence to evaluate pathways underlying these associations. Studies tended to rely on self-reported fever and diarrhea to assess illness, and no study directly assessed linkages between AHC, pathogen burden, and anemia. Thus, there is insufficient evidence to conclude whether AHC improves or worsens anemia among women and children in LMICs. Given the current interest in promoting animal production among low-income households, future studies with robust measures of livestock ownership, ASF consumption, pathogen burden, and anemia status are needed to understand the nuances of this complex and potentially contradictory relation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark L Wilson
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Andrew D Jones
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI,Address correspondence to ADJ (e-mail: )
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18
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Siekmans K, Bégin F, Situma R, Kupka R. The potential role of micronutrient powders to improve complementary feeding practices. MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION 2018; 13 Suppl 2. [PMID: 29032625 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.12464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 03/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Micronutrient powder (MNP) interventions are often integrated within infant and young child feeding (IYCF) programmes to improve micronutrient intake from complementary foods. This review aims to describe country experiences with MNP interventions and their impact on IYCF practices and develop a framework for how MNP may strengthen complementary feeding practices. A literature review and key informant interviews were used to gather data on complementary feeding practices in MNP programme design, implementation, and evaluation. Findings from 11 MNP programmes in different geographic regions reinforced the potential of MNP interventions to add renewed focus and resources to existing IYCF programmes. MNP plays an important role in ensuring adequate micronutrient intake and reducing anaemia in young children. In some programmes, MNP users had improved IYCF practices, such as breastfeeding to 24 months and children receiving complementary foods with adequate consistency, frequency, and diversity. Our framework highlights how behaviour change communication is an essential component for influencing household actions, not only to generate demand and promote correct and sustained MNP use but also raise awareness of IYCF practices. The actions at MNP policy, delivery, and behaviour change communication levels collectively influence household IYCF practices, and formative research and monitoring and evaluation serve to inform programme design and optimize impact. In conclusion, a limited but growing body of evidence suggests that MNP interventions can contribute to improve complementary feeding practices. However, there is scope for improvement even among integrated MNP and IYCF programmes in order to realize the full potential of MNP interventions for IYCF practices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - France Bégin
- Nutrition Section, UNICEF Headquarters, New York, USA
| | - Ruth Situma
- Nutrition Section, UNICEF Headquarters, New York, USA
| | - Roland Kupka
- Nutrition Section, UNICEF Headquarters, New York, USA
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19
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Nutrition-sensitive agriculture: What have we learned so far? GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY-AGRICULTURE POLICY ECONOMICS AND ENVIRONMENT 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gfs.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 242] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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20
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Reerink I, Namaste SM, Poonawala A, Nyhus Dhillon C, Aburto N, Chaudhery D, Kroeun H, Griffiths M, Haque MR, Bonvecchio A, Jefferds ME, Rawat R. Experiences and lessons learned for delivery of micronutrient powders interventions. MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION 2018; 13 Suppl 1. [PMID: 28960878 PMCID: PMC5656897 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.12495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
An effective delivery strategy coupled with relevant social and behaviour change communication (SBCC) have been identified as central to the implementation of micronutrient powders (MNP) interventions, but there has been limited documentation of what works. Under the auspices of "The Micronutrient Powders Consultation: Lessons Learned for Operational Guidance," three working groups were formed to summarize experiences and lessons across countries regarding MNP interventions for young children. This paper focuses on programmatic experiences related to MNP delivery (models, platforms, and channels), SBCC, and training. Methods included a review of published and grey literature, interviews with key informants, and deliberations throughout the consultation process. We found that most countries distributed MNP free of charge via the health sector, although distribution through other platforms and using subsidized fee for product or mixed payment models have also been used. Community-based distribution channels have generally shown higher coverage and when part of an infant and young child feeding approach, may provide additional benefit given their complementarity. SBCC for MNP has worked best when focused on meeting the MNP behavioural objectives (appropriate use, intake adherence, and related infant and young child feeding behaviours). Programmers have learned that reincorporating SBCC and training throughout the intervention life cycle has allowed for much needed adaptations. Diverse experiences delivering MNP exist, and although no one-size-fits-all approach emerged, well-established delivery platforms, community involvement, and SBCC-centred designs tended to have more success. Much still needs to be learned on MNP delivery, and we propose a set of implementation research questions that require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sorrel Ml Namaste
- Strengthening Partnerships, Results, and Innovations in Nutrition Globally, Arlington, Virginia, USA.,Helen Keller International, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Alia Poonawala
- Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Hou Kroeun
- Helen Keller International, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | | | | | | | - Maria Elena Jefferds
- Nutrition Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rahul Rawat
- International Food Policy Research Institute, Dakar, Senegal.,Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington, USA
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21
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DeYoung S, Suji M, Southall HG. Maternal Perceptions of Infant Feeding and Health in the Context of the 2015 Nepal Earthquake. J Hum Lact 2018; 34:242-252. [PMID: 29462570 DOI: 10.1177/0890334417750144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Displacement caused by the 2015 earthquake in Nepal exacerbated poor health and nutrition for thousands of women and children. Research aim: This study aimed to identify the perceptions of Nepalese mothers residing in earthquake relocation camps regarding barriers, facilitators, and situational factors influencing breastfeeding and family well-being. METHODS An exploratory, rapid ethnographic approach was used during two fieldwork phases. Phase 1 consisted of reconnaissance and observation, whereas Phase 2 consisted of observation and qualitative semistructured interviews with infant caretakers ( N = 14). RESULTS We found evidence of human milk substitutes donated by various groups after the earthquake, despite Nepal's media statement condemning these donations. Participants in this study expressed concerns about their milk supply. They also expressed concerns about the impending winter season combined with distress about the 2015 fuel crisis and the impact that this had on their infants and children. Furthermore, participants expressed choices about infant feeding that were influenced by traditional Nepalese practices. Specifically, homemade complementary foods and spices designed to boost lactation were identified as being used during daily infant feeding practices. CONCLUSION Infant caretakers need culturally specific support for breastfeeding after disasters. These findings can directly influence future interventions concerning Nepalese mothers' perceptions, infant care, and feeding practices in disaster scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah DeYoung
- 1 Institute for Disaster Management, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Manoj Suji
- 2 Tribhuvan University; Social Science Baha (Kathmandu), Kirtipur, Nepal
| | - Hannah G Southall
- 3 Department of Health Policy and Management, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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Mahfuz M, Alam MA, Islam MM, Mondal D, Hossain MI, Ahmed AMS, Choudhury N, Raihan MJ, Haque R, Ahmed T. Effect of micronutrient powder supplementation for two and four months on hemoglobin level of children 6–23 months old in a slum in Dhaka: a community based observational study. BMC Nutr 2016. [DOI: 10.1186/s40795-016-0061-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Osei A, Pandey P, Nielsen J, Pries A, Spiro D, Davis D, Quinn V, Haselow N. Combining Home Garden, Poultry, and Nutrition Education Program Targeted to Families With Young Children Improved Anemia Among Children and Anemia and Underweight Among Nonpregnant Women in Nepal. Food Nutr Bull 2016; 38:49-64. [PMID: 27837036 DOI: 10.1177/0379572116676427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of food-based interventions on child and maternal anthropometry and anemia has not been adequately studied. OBJECTIVE This study tested the effect of an enhanced homestead food production (EHFP) program consisting of home garden, poultry raising, and nutrition education implemented over 2.5 years versus control (no intervention) on anthropometry and anemia among children (12-48 months) and their mothers. METHODS An unblinded cluster-randomized controlled trial involving pre- and post-surveys with independent samples was conducted in rural areas of Baitadi District, Nepal. Data (including weight, height/length, and hemoglobin) were obtained from 2106 and 2614 mother-child pairs at baseline and follow-up, respectively. Changes in outcome variables (stunting, underweight, wasting, and anemia among children and underweight and anemia among mothers) were compared between the study groups using mixed-effects logistic regression models. RESULTS At follow-up, anemia was significantly lower among children (odds ratio, OR [95% confidence interval, CI]: 0.76 [0.59-0.98]) and mothers (OR [95% CI]: 0.62 [0.48-0.82]) in the treatment group compared to the control. Underweight was lower among mothers in the treatment group compared to the control (OR [95% CI]: 0.61 [0.46-0.82]). There was no impact on child anthropometry. CONCLUSION The EHFP intervention improved anemia among children aged 12 to 48 months and their mothers in Baitadi District of Nepal. The intervention also reduced underweight among these women, but had no impact on child growth, in this district.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akoto Osei
- 1 Department of Social Affairs, African Union Commission, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Pooja Pandey
- 2 Helen Keller International (HKI), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Jennifer Nielsen
- 3 Helen Keller International (HKI), Head Quarters, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alissa Pries
- 4 Helen Keller International (HKI), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | | | - Dale Davis
- 2 Helen Keller International (HKI), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Victoria Quinn
- 3 Helen Keller International (HKI), Head Quarters, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nancy Haselow
- 4 Helen Keller International (HKI), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
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de Pee S. Special nutritious solutions to enhance complementary feeding. MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION 2016; 11 Suppl 4:i-viii. [PMID: 26751986 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.12265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Saskia de Pee
- Nutrition Division, World Food Programme, Rome, Italy. .,Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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Osei AK, Pandey P, Spiro D, Adhikari D, Haselow N, De Morais C, Davis D. Adding multiple micronutrient powders to a homestead food production programme yields marginally significant benefit on anaemia reduction among young children in Nepal. MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION 2016; 11 Suppl 4:188-202. [PMID: 25682798 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.12173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Anaemia affects 46% of preschool-aged children in Nepal. A cluster-randomised study was conducted in rural Nepal to test whether providing micronutrient powders (MNP) in addition to enhanced homestead food production (EHFP) programme, consisting of home gardens, poultry and nutrition education, could lead to a higher reduction in anaemia compared with providing only EHFP. This sub-study enrolled 335 children aged 6-9 months into one of three groups: (1) EHFP + MNP; (2) EHFP; or (3) control. The EHFP + MNP group received 60 sachets of MNP for flexible consumption at the start and 6 months later for a total supplementation period of 11 months. The MNP contained 15 micronutrients including iron (10 mg encapsulated ferrous fumarate). Haemoglobin and anthropometry were measured at baseline and post-MNP supplementation. Mean ± SE haemoglobin concentration increased significantly in all groups, with a slightly higher but non-significant increase in the EHFP + MNP and EHFP compared with control (difference-in-differences: 4.1 g L(-1) for EHFP + MNP vs. control; 3.6 g L(-1) for EHFP vs. control; 0.5 g L(-1) for EHFP + MNP vs. EHFP). Anaemia decreased at a slightly higher magnitude in the EHFP + MNP [51.5 percentage points (PP)] than the EHFP (48.6 PP) and control (39.6 PP), with adjusted odds ratios (95% CI) at post-supplementation of 0.52 (0.25-1.12) for EHFP + MNP and 0.69 (0.35-1.36) for EHFP, compared with control. There was no impact on child growth. Combining EHFP and MNP programmes yielded a marginally significant reduction in anaemia among children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akoto K Osei
- Asia Pacific Regional Office, Helen Keller International, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | | | | | | | - Nancy Haselow
- Asia Pacific Regional Office, Helen Keller International, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | | | - Dale Davis
- Helen Keller International, Kathmandu, Nepal
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