The Micronutrient Initiative
The Micronutrient Initiative is an international development agency working to reduce micronutrient malnutrition throughout the world. MI is based in Ottawa, Canada and operates as a secretariat within the International Development Research Centre.

MI is supported and governed by a Steering Committee consisting of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the United Nations Childrenís Fund (UNICEF), the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the World Bank. MI supports micronutrient programs in more than 75 countries, working with multilateral and bilateral aid agencies, governments, non-governmental organizations, research institutions, and the private sector to expand access to micronutrient-rich foods, improve the quality of food fortification and dietary supplementation programs, and enhance their impact on the health and well-being of vulnerable populations. MI operates with a staff of 39 professionals located in Ottawa, Canada and South Asia together with a large network of consultants around the world.

Now in its eighth year of operation, the MI has developed numerous programs which support the goals of the 1990 World Summit for Children: to eliminate iodine deficiency disorders and vitamin A deficiency, and to reduce iron deficiency anemia among women.

The Micronutrient Initiativeís mission is to initiate and stimulate national actions to eliminate micronutrient malnutrition, assuring universal coverage and sustained impact.

The primary strategic objectives of the MI are to introduce or expand food fortification and dietary supplementation programs in areas of greatest need, to advance the global ability to address iron deficiency anemia, and to encourage and provide coordination of international development efforts in the field of micronutrient malnutrition.

To learn more about the Micronutrient Initiative, its activities, programs and publications, click on http://www.micronutrient.org

Source: http://www.micronutrient.org