Nutrition programs in theThird World

Abstract: Case studies identifying and describing actual problem situations facing decision-makers trying to design, promote, and manage Third World nutrition programs are presented. Conceptual readings derived from research on nutrition programs present a comprehensive view of nutrition policy and management problems and issues. Half of the people in the developing world are malnourished (over 1 billion do not meet daily calorie requirements, with 895 million having calorie deficits exceeding 250 cal/day). Malnutrition is most prevalent in Asia (78%), followed by Africa (10%). Both continents have 60% of their population with 250 cal/day deficits. Material covered includes: international agencies and programs dealing with malnutrition; various nutrition programs and operating problems in specific countries; supplementary feeding programs and formulated foods; fortification; nutritional enhancement of corn via genetic breeding; attempts to improve nutrition via changing the food marketing system and the use of subsidies; combined nutrition-population-health intervention programs; and design and implementation of a national nutrition plan. (wz).