Nationwide micronutrients survey to be carried out next month
Summary
Nepal will conduct a nationwide micronutrients survey in December to assess vitamin A, iron, folic acid, iodine and anaemia levels, after the annual vitamin A and deworming campaign begins this week. The findings are expected to guide revisions to nutrition policy, including possible changes to salt iodisation and supplementation programmes.
Key Points
- A nationwide micronutrients survey is planned for December, six weeks after Nepal’s vitamin A supplementation and deworming campaign begins on November 3 and 4.
- The study will assess vitamin A, iron, folic acid, iodine and anaemia status, and its findings may reshape Nepal’s nutrition policy.
- Health officials say the survey was delayed after US assistance was frozen, but funding is now being provided through UNICEF with technical support from the US CDC.
- Experts have warned that excess iodine in salt may be contributing to thyroid problems and other non-communicable diseases in Nepal.
