Nutriset is an active partner of the "Sustainable Program to Improve Nutrition" project (Spoon), initiated by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to combat malnutrition and obesity among children of disadvantaged regions of Latin America. Spoon is the first regional project to tackle chronic malnutrition and obesity simultaneously in four countries at once (Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru). Launched for a period of five years, the project is funded by the PepsiCo foundation.
Chronic malnutrition and obesity: the double burden that affects Latin America
All the studies show that the good development of a child is inseparable from his diet during the first years of his life (Nutriset offer a number of nutritional solutions designed to support the 1000 days approach). In Latin America, despite notable improvements in health indicators, chronic malnutrition is estimated to affect seven million children under five* and that in the same area, about four million children are affected by overweight or obesity ** which increases their risk of suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease in adulthood.
"Undernutrition and health problems related to obesity are increasing dramatically in Latin America, and they are placing an increasing burden on our health care systems and budgets," said IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno during the launch of Spoon which took place on the eve of World Food Day. "Ensuring that infants receive adequate nutrition to grow up and become healthy and productive adults is our shared responsibility."
Nutriset's technical expertise within Spoon
Nutriset brings its expertise to Spoon on aspects linked to the research and development of Lipid-Based Nutritional Supplements (LNS-SQ), and its industrial expertise for the manufacturing of products designed for the specific needs of scientific studies in nutrition.
Over the next five years, Spoon will be implemented in both rural and urban areas with the support of national ministries of health and local non-profit organisations that will be in charge of implementing the project on the ground. It will focus on improving infant feeding practices, including breastfeeding, and promoting the use of a nutritional supplement containing vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids that children need during their first 6 to 24 months.
In addition, the project will develop a behavior change communication (BCC) strategy, with technical support from the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), to encourage parents and caregivers to adopt healthy eating habits. Spoon will also integrate its nutrition efforts into existing health services for pregnant women and babies. Nutriset will participate to Spoon progress meetings and will join in the review of field research actions, as well as activities such as product distribution to target populations in participating countries.
About the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)
Established in 1959, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is a multilateral financial institution that supports Latin America and the Caribbean's efforts to reduce poverty and inequality and to ensure development in a sustainable and climate-friendly manner. For more information: www.iadb.org
About the PepsiCo Foundation
Established in 1962, the PepsiCo Foundation is committed to developing partnerships and sustainable programs in underserved areas that offer opportunities to improve health, the environment and education. For more information: http://www.pepsico.com/sustainability/Philanthropy
* source: World Health Organization, 2011
** source: Rivera et al. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2014 Apr; 2 (4): 321-32
