A framework to explore micronutrient deficiency in maternal and child health in Malawi, Southern Africa.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Global food insecurity is associated with micronutrient deficiencies and it has been suggested that 4.5 billion people world-wide are affected by deficiencies in iron, vitamin A and iodine. Zinc has also been identified to be of increasing concern. The most vulnerable are young children and women of childbearing age. A pilot study has been carried out in Southern Malawi, to attempt to link the geochemical and agricultural basis of micronutrient supply through spatial variability to maternal health and associated cultural and social aspects of nutrition. The aim is to establish the opportunity for concerted action to deliver step change improvements in the nutrition of developing countries.

Results

Field work undertaken in August 2007 and July/August 2008 involved

SUBMITTER: Dickinson N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2796491 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature