Business as a Partner in Tackling Micronutrient Deficiency: Lessons in Multisector Partnership

Abstract

"Sustainable and equitable international development is predicated on individuals who are able to live long, healthy lives, be innovative, work, and contribute to society. These basic human traits are contingent on proper nutrition, particularly during childhood, to foster normal growth and healthy development. Micronutrient deficiency - the lack of proper vitamins and minerals in diet - is a hidden epidemic that leads to low birth weight, impaired cognitive development, impaired immunity, and compromised life expectancy. These problems have a disastrous effect on human capital, which is a key to improving both individual lives and to fostering the growth of national economies. Low birth weight and stunted growth can result in diminished strength and ability to work, potentially resulting in lower productivity and income. Impaired cognitive development leads to learning problems, and the inability of children to learn in school has a significant effect on their wages 20 years after schooling? These deficiencies in turn have links to broader economic growth and development. "Because education level ... is strongly linked to national economic growth, the loss of individual creative potential directly affects the long-term aggregate development trajectory of developing countries." Micronutrient deficiency in childhood also has long-term impacts on individuals ability to fight disease, which has serious consequences for family life, earning capacity, and macroeconomic growth."