Session Programme

Lunch session
*Hub

Monday, 19 April 2010

Session LS01/room 2

The Global Health Challenge of Malnutrition: Can it be Defeated?

Chair: Noel Solomons, Scientific Director, Center for Studies of Sensory Impairment, Aging, and Metabolism ( CeSSIAM), Guatemala

Undernutrition is widespread throughout the world, particularly in the developing world and especially among children. It leads to increased mortality and morbidity, which in turn lead to decreased productivity and quality of life due to intractable physical and mental impairment. Eradicating hunger is the first Millennium Development Goal and a key factor underpinning achievement of other MDGs -- notably in education, child mortality, improved maternal health, and combating HIV/AIDS and malaria, as well as many other diseases. Micronutrient supplementation and fortification have been identified as the top interventions that could advance global welfare. These interventions are estimated to provide tremendously high benefits compared to costs. Public health interventions which address problems of undernutrition have demonstrated success. This symposium aims to outline the global challenge of micronutrient malnutrition, and show how successful resolution is a crucial step toward achieving health for all.

Micronutrient Malnutrition in the World: Impact on Human Health and Quality of Life

Bruno de Benoist, retired head of the Micronutrient Unit, World Health Organization, Switzerland

Micronutrients and the Millennium Goals: New Paradigms and Vexing Paradoxes

Noel Solomon, Scientific Director, Center for Studies of Sensory Impairment, Aging, and Metabolism ( CeSSIAM), Guatemala

Fighting Malnutrition: Private Sector Contribution

Ferdinand Haschke, Chairman of Nestlé Nutrition Institute, Switzerland