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MOTIVATION
Micronutrient malnutrition—or, “hidden hunger”—is a chronic lack of vitamins and minerals that can lead to severe physical and mental health problems, especially when it afflicts children who are still growing. Dietary supplements called multiple micronutrient powders can add valuable nutrients to food and potentially prevent iron-deficiency anemia in infants and young children. But, even though these powders have been on the market for some time in Bangladesh, they are still rarely used by the poor people who need them. A new program led by BRAC, has begun a widespread program across Bangladesh to increase access to, and uptake of, these products.
ONGOING WORK
BRAC is implementing a large-scale, community-based project covering almost the entire country (61 out of 64 districts) to promote a brand of powder called Pushtikona for use by children between 7 months and five years old. IFPRI is conducting research on the childhood health impacts of using BRAC’s Essential Health Care program to sell Pushtikona, available in sachets and included with other products that health volunteers make available for sale at a low cost to households. The research investigates the feasibility and impact of using this distributional channel for the nutrition supplement.
