- 11
a
34. Recently, through efforts by FAO, attention has turned to agricultural-based interventions. FAO has assisted in preparing projects for the production of carotene (vitamin A) rich fruits and vegetables for Bangladesh, Nepal and Viet Nam which are due to start in 1990. Furthermore, FAO has assisted six governments in the region (Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand) to establish network for vitamin A programmes in which agriculturists will collaborate with nutritionists and health personnel. FAO is further strengthening these national activities by expanding the FAO Programme on the promotion of under-exploited traditional food plants to the Asian region. These plants are valuable and affordable sources
of many micronutrients, primarily carotenes and vitamin C.
V. ACTION PROGRAMMES TO OVERCOME SPECIFIC NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES
5.1 Overview
35. Over the years, many countries of the Region have made substantial efforts to reduce the prevalence of the specific nutritional deficiencies. The international community too has attempted to address the problems, primarily through its three technical consultative groups, namely IVACG, INACG and ICIDD. Until recently, most national and international activities generally focussed on remedial measures. A concerted and collaborative effort is needed now to implement long-term preventive action programmes that focus on appropriate food production and consumption, while at the same time improving and expanding the coverage of existing remedial programmes. In those countries where information is lacking on the precise nature and extent of the problems, it will be necessary to make further assessments. However, there is generally enough existing data from various sources in such countries which, if appropriately collated and analysed, can permit action to begin now, with a view to improving and refining the programmes as more data become available.
or
a
36. Any overall action programme to combat specific nutritional deficiencies must address short, medium and long term measures through its
of are programmes component programmes. In general, the short-term curative nature, functioning often through the primary health care system by the provision of vitamin and mineral supplements in the form of tablets
commodity capsules. Appropriate
distribution
and food systems fortification with its necessary quality control and consumer protection elements could be seen as medium-term programmes, although iodation of a food could arguably be classified as a long-term programme. Ultimately the action programme should have as a long-term objective a food supply that provides the needed quality and balance of nutrients, and is economically accessible to all sections of society. An essential and supporting component of all programmes will be the need for continuing research to guide future action, for the availability of trained human resources plan and implement programmes, and for improving nutrition knowledge and awareness so as to better utilize existing food and economic resources.
5.2
Short-term Programmes
to
37. In order to address already existing micronutrient deficiencies, priority will need to be given to reducing the level of human suffering and consequently short-term, curative health-oriented interventions will need