Summaries of Country Case Studies

The following are summaries of country case studies that were presented at a workshop on "Successful Micronutrient Programs" held at the International Union of Nutritional Sciences Vienna August 2001. In the past decade Bangladesh has made substantial improvement in food production. However people still suffer from imbalance in nutrient intake characterized by protein and micronutrient deficiencies. From 1991 to 1999 among children under five years of age the prevalence of stunting decreased from 71% to 55% and the prevalence of underweight decreased from 72% to 61%. Women had in 1991-1999 an average pregnancy weight gain of less than 6 kg. Over half of the adult population was undernourished during this time with 10% suffering from severe malnutrition. (excerpt)