Reports and publications

Calcium Supplementation to Prevent Preeclampsia

The WHO issued a strong recommendation that pregnant women be provided calcium supplements to prevent preeclampsia. This is the first recommended nutritional intervention to prevent this condition, a leading cause of maternal mortality globally. This article summarizes key evidence on a number of issues that require further clarification and guidance on calcium intake.

Barriers and facilitators for physical activity during pregnancy

The objective of this paper was to explore the perceptions of health providers and beneficiaries of the Oportunidades Program in Mexico about the practice of physical activity during pregnancy and postpartum, and to identify characteristics of the counseling on the subject in the first level of health care.

Performance-Based Financing Empowers Health Workers

Performance-based financing (PBF) directed at healthcare providers has shown potential to improve quantity and quality of maternal and child health services. This study implemented a longitudinal-controlled proof-of-concept PBF intervention at health facilities and with community-based associations focused on preventing vertical transmission of HIV (PVT) in rural Mozambique.

Promotion of zinc tablets with ORS through child health weeks improves caregiver knowledge, attitudes, and practice on treatment of diarrhoea in Nigeria

This study examined whether the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Weeks (MNCHW) in Nigeria would present an opportunity to raise awareness of and demand for the use of zinc and ORS in the treatment for diarrhoea.

Effect of iodized salt on organoleptic properties

Despite the global recommendation for fortification of salt with iodine, including salt used in food processing, most salt iodization programs have focussed only on iodization of household salt. This paper provides a comprehensive review of studies conducted to assess the effect of iodized salt on the organoleptic properties of processed foods and condiments.

Folic acid supplementation effects

The benefits of periconception folic acid (FA) supplementation in the prevention of neural tube defects is well recognized, but the evidence for preconception micronutrient interventions for improving pregnancy outcomes is limited. This study aimed to evaluate whether preconception supplementation with weekly iron and folic acid or multiple micronutrients improves birth outcomes compared with FA alone.

Multiple micronutrient powders for home (point of use) fortification of foods in pregnant women: a systematic review

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of prenatal home (point‐of‐use) fortification of foods with multiple micronutrient powders on maternal and newborn health.

Micronutrient status in Jordan: 2002 and 2010

Two national surveys were conducted in Jordan in 2002 and 2010 to investigate the micronutrient status in women and children. To determine the prevalence of anemia, iron and folate deficiency among women and children in 2010 and compare with the prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency in 2002.

High coverage and utilization of fortified rations

The Integrated Child Development Services in the State of Telangana, India, freely provides a fortified complementary food product, Bal Amrutham, as a take-home ration to children. This study was conducted to estimate the coverage and utilization of Bal Amruthama, a fortified complementary food product, and to identify barriers and drivers.

Gender perceptions predict sex differences in growth patterns of indigenous Guatemalan infants and young children

This study assessed whether the predicted differences in age-sex patterns were observed in the village, replicated the examination nationally for indigenous children, and examined whether the pattern in nonindigenous children was different.