Lessons from successful micronutrient programs. Part I: program initiation.

Internationally recognized research findings on the potential health benefits of preventing micronutrient deficiencies--especially reduced child mortality from vitamin A deficiency and prevention of in utero developmental damage and mental retardation from iodine deficiency--have contributed to raising the awareness of deficiencies and the commitment of many governments to their reduction or near-elimination. The procedures undertaken to decide on large-scale programs followed conventional patterns in the 12 countries included in this study (11 Asian countries plus South Africa). Thus, a sequence of national surveys, institutional arrangements through intersectoral technical committees, legislation, incorporation of programs into national plans, and resource mobilization, including external assistance, was similar for all three micronutrients. Vitamin A supplementation twice yearly to children, then to women postpartum, has reached the national level. Iodized salt is universally adopted at the national level in most countries, with a need for continuing efforts to reach underserved populations and to implement legislation and quality control. Iron programs, usually aiming at daily supplementation during pregnancy, have been pursued, but with less intensity. However, it is clear that these procedures have succeeded in creating a rapid expansion of large-scale deficiency-control programs, which while evolving are generally being maintained.