Building Operational Capacity for Successful Implementation of HOME Fortification: Academic Institutional Support for MNP Implementation.
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Date
2015
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Abstract
Objectives: Many countries are expressing interest in implementing Home Fortification
programmes using Micronutrient Powders (MNP) because of their proven effectiveness and low
cost. A gap exists, however, between evidence based guidelines for practical implementation.
Therefore our objective was to make technical support globally accessible and build operational
capacity for successful implementation of MNP.
Methods: As an academic institution and project group we have identified gaps, partners, research
needs, and evaluated and streamlined existing guidelines for the implementation of MNP. We
developed and field-tested tools for formative research to guide the design of MNP interventions
integrated into IYCF and other programmes in Rwanda, Zambia, Cameroon, Laos, Sierra Leone,
and Mali. Communication and training strategies and materials were developed, utilized, and
continuously improved by our teams in multiple countries followed by comprehensive reporting and
recommendations.
Results: Broad contextual experience was built and made available to governments in
implementing countries, organizational partners, and stakeholders through our team support. We
facilitated knowledge exchange through national and global conference presentations and
workshops. Research methods, communication and training materials, and monitoring & evaluation
tools are constantly improved and adjusted and country specific implementation strategies for MNP
are based on our findings.
Conclusions: Creating an enabling environment for micronutrient interventions requires
collaborative efforts from multiple stakeholders. Our university's multi-disciplinary team has
enabled countries to move forward cost-effectively with Home Fortification programmes. Lessons learned are being integrated into practice-oriented technical guidelines and shared with other
countries to operationalize and scale-up MNP programmes efficiently and effectively.
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Suter Mélanie, McLean Judy. Building Operational Capacity for Successful Implementation of HOME Fortification: Academic Institutional Support for MNP Implementation. European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety. 2015 Special issue; 5(5): 977-978.