Incorporating Global Recommendations into the Uganda Micronutrient Policy Guidelines
Sarah Ngalombi *
Ministry of Health, Kampala, East Africa, Uganda.
Nelly Birungi
UNICEF, Uganda Kampala, Uganda.
Louise Sserunjogi
UNICEF, Uganda Kampala, Uganda and Private Consultant, Uganda Kampala, Uganda.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Objectives: To review and update existing micronutrient related guidelines to incorporate emerging issues and global recommendations.
Methods: Formulation of a multi-sectoral working group with representation from public and private institutions; engagement of a consultant; analysis of existing strengths and gaps in existing policy guidelines and programs and regular consultation with key stakeholders to agree on scope, format and content.
Documents reviewed included: the United Nations General Assembly (2000- 2013) resolutions; World Health Assembly (2000-2012) recommendations; East, Central and Southern Africa Health community documents; The Uganda Food and Nutrition Policy (2003); The Uganda Nutrition Action Plan (2011-2016), Sector policy guidelines; WHO recommendations on: management of severe acute malnutrition (2013), Weekly iron–folic acid supplementation in women of reproductive age (2009), Vitamin A supplementation in postpartum women (2011), Daily iron and folic acid supplementation in pregnant women (2012), Guidelines on food fortification with micronutrients (2006) and the Use of multiple micronutrient powders for home fortification of foods consumed by infants and children 6–23 months of age (2011).
Results: Conceptualisation and documentation of national micronutrient situation in regard to prevalence of deficiencies and coverage of policies and programs. Development of country specific micronutrient guidelines into which emerging evidence based micronutrient related issues and global guidelines are incorporated.
Conclusions: Translation of global guidelines into national policy documents requires an analysis of existing gaps and strengths in the policies and implementation of programs and consultations with key stakeholders.