SMC launches micronutrient programme

Social Marketing Company (SMC) launched its micronutrient programme in the city yesterday through introduction of 'MoniMix' -- a micronutrient powder which can be easily mixed at home to fortify foods to address childhood Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA), says a press release.
Sheri-Nouane Johnson, director of PHN Team, USAID, Dhaka and Jalaluddin Ahmed, chairperson, Board of Directors, SMC, were present at the launching ceremony at SMC Head Office.
The objectives of the micronutrient programme are to help improve nutritional status of under-five children, particularly of those with childhood Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA), to increase knowledge and awareness among parents and health service providers about the importance of micronutrient containing food and adequate dietary intake, and to promote exclusive breastfeeding and proper complementary feeding of nutrition rich foods.
In Bangladesh, about 64 percent of children aged 6 to 23 months and 42 percent of children aged 24 to 59 months suffer from Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA).
The increased burden of anaemia, particularly among infants and children, calls for urgent action, especially in view of the devastating impact on cognitive and motor development of an entire generation of children and the vast economic losses at present as well as in the future.
Responding to the challenge of devastating consequences of IDA, Sprinkles Global Health Initiatives (SGHI), University of Toronto, Canada developed 'Sprinkles', which was supported by global research and strong advocacy activities from leading international development agencies.
In Bangladesh, Social Marketing Company (SMC) introduces 'Sprinkles' in the brand name of 'MoniMix' in manufacturing partnership with Renata Ltd. MoniMix is a small packet of micronutrient powder containing iron and some other essential vitamins and minerals.
In many countries, including Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, home fortification of complementary foods with powdered micronutrient powder has been adopted as a new public health strategy to control IDA among infants and children.