This report summarises the current technical information about vitamin and mineral deficiencies and identifies gaps in data and programmes. In doing so, it identifies some elements of a globalised approach for the micronutrient sector.
The report tackles five central questions:
- Why is reducing vitamin and mineral deficiencies critical for development?
- What is the extent of vitamin and mineral deficiencies?
- How can vitamin and mineral deficiencies be reduced?
- What are the costs of interventions?
- What is the role of international agencies in the micronutrient sector?
It is intended to inform the development of a future comprehensive multi-donor strategy for accelerating the reduction of vitamin and mineral deficiencies in the next decade.