UNICEF in ActionUNICEF supports the Government in applying known and affordable strategies of food fortification (enrichment with micronutrients and vitamins), vitamin and mineral supplementation (distribution of capsules, tablets or syrups) and public education to reduce micronutrient deficiency level in Kyrgyzstan. UNICEF works closely with the Asian Development Bank and other organisations. At national level, UNICEF supports the National Fortification Alliance, which coordinates the efforts of state bodies and food producers to provide fortified foods to the population. BREASTFEEDING AND COMPLEMENTARY FEEDING PRACTICES: PROPER NUTRITION FOR INFANTS UNICEF supports activities that ensure that children receive exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. This has proven to be the single most important factor in ensuring survival, good health and nutrition. Similarly, UNICEF helps educate mothers about the importance of the timely introduction of adequate complementary food along with continued breastfeeding up to two years of age. IODINE: DEVELOPMENT OF FULL MENTAL POTENIAL
UNICEF works to raise understanding of the true impact of iodine deficiency. Once known as goitre – the most visible sign of iodine deficiency – it was thought to affect only a minority. In reality, it affects a significant proportion of the population, with dramatic consequences, including reduction of mental capacity and productivity. In pregnancy, it causes still births and can leave the babies that survive with permanent disabilities, including severe brain damage. The most efficient way to prevent iodine deficiency and mental retardation is to ensure that all people consume iodised salt in their daily diet. With the help of UNICEF and other international organisations, Kyrgyzstan has made remarkable progress towards achieving Universal Salt Iodization. According to a UNICEF survey in 2005, 78 percent of the population consumed adequately iodised salt. (Source: preliminary MICS-3 data) UNICEF aims to help the Government achieve Universal Salt Iodization (USI) in 2007 and ensure that, once achieved, USI is sustained. UNICEF and the State Sanitation and Epidemiological Surveillance Department support training for retailers and customs officials. UNICEF helps communities to monitor and test the amount of iodine in salt and as part of the joint UNICEF-Ministry of Education, science and youth policy project “Open School”, vitamin and mineral deficiencies issues were introduced into the school curriculum of 1-3 and 5-8 grades. IRON: REDUCES ANAEMIA Iron is essential in reducing the high prevalence of anaemia among children under three years of age and women. UNICEF aims to help the government to reduce the high prevalence of anemia among children under three years of age and women of reproductive age by one third by the end of 2010. The use of fortified flour dramatically and sustainably reduces anaemia and improves the health of women and children. Fortified food can significantly improve child survival in KyrgyzstanWhile continuing work on flour fortification, UNICEF conducts research to assess the effect of possible complementary programmes such as water and sanitation, de-worming, supplementation, complementary feeding practices and complementary food. VITAMIN A: BUILDS IMMUNITY
UNICEF has been supporting Kyrgyzstan’s efforts to overcome Vitamin A deficiency since 2004. Vitamin A capsules are provided to children under the age of five and to new mothers until two months after the birth of their babies. The goal is to reduce Vitamin A deficiency among these groups by one third by the end of 2010. UNICEF seeks ways to establish cooperation with food industries, such as oil and sugar, and help them fortify their products with vitamin A.
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