In DPR Korea, malnutrition threatens the survival and growth of children during their most crucial period of development. According to the most recent nutrition assessment carried out by the government, UNICEF and WFP in 2002, the prevalence of wasting and stunting in children under 7 years of age is 9% and 42%, respectively. The main causes of child mortality are diarrhea and respiratory infections combined with malnutrition. According to UNICEF, “these very high levels of malnutrition indicate that there are serious problems for both the physical growth and psycho-social development of young children. These have far-reaching consequences affecting the whole of their lives. Recent international research has shown that retarded growth and development in the first five years cannot be later regained or compensated for.”
This is why Firststeps started Sprinkles program in NK with Soy milk program.
Sprinkles are being distributed through government public healthcare clinics to pregnant women and babies aged 6-to-24 months. Sprinkles prevent anemia, a type of malnutrition, as well as rickets and other diseases. In co-operation with North Korea’s Institute of Child Nutrition, First Steps completed a two-year effectiveness/efficacy study of Sprinkles. Based on the excellent results, the Institute of Child Nutrition is eager to adopt Sprinkles as a national program.
Happy Sprinkles moms & babies April, 2010.
Photo: John Cuddeford
Healthy moms & babies of Sprinkles program April, 2008.
Photo: Naomi Goertzen
Sprinkles sachet & box November, 2010.
Photo: Craig Ketchum
First Steps has delivered a Sprinkles packaging machine to the ICN in December 2012, bringing us one step closer to the national implementation of Sprinkles.
Sprinkles packaging machine, ICN, 2012.
Photo: Maisie LeFave
http://www2.firststepscanada.org
