Since 1986, Sight and Life has been at the forefront of global efforts to improve dietary access to vitamin A. Working on many fronts to alleviate malnutrition is central to the successes of Sight and Life, and forming strategic partnerships with other organizations is how we are able to contribute to achieving better nutrition for all. One such partnership that evolved in recent years is with Vitamin Angels (vitaminangels.org), a leading independent humanitarian organization dedicated to combating malnutrition by connecting at-risk populations in need with essential micronutrients. As Sight and Life Director Klaus Kraemer recently noted, ''By partnering with Vitamin Angels, Sight and Life strengthens local supply and distribution capacity, mobilizes communities and governments, fosters the creation of public-private partnerships to combat, in particular, vitamin A deficiency (VAD), and improves the lives of millions of children and women.'' » Read more...
A wider focus
Over the years, we have widened our focus to include other essential micronutrients. We recognize the impact on human health of multiple micronutrient deficiencies and their interactions. We also provide technical assistance in the field of nutritional anemia, hidden hunger, and of the emerging issues such as the double burden of malnutrition.
Hidden hunger
''Hidden hunger'' refers to the impact of a diet that is deficient in essential micronutrients. It impacts negatively on the health, cognition, function, survival and economic potential of individuals and populations. » Read more...
Double burden of malnutrition
High levels of undernutrition and overnutrition are occurring at the same time, in the same country or household. Undernutrition is associated with a lower resistance to infection, poor physical and mental development and other problems. Overnutrition, on the other hand, leads to overweight and obesity, and increases the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCD). » Read more...
Nutritional anemia
Nutritional anemia is a malfunction of the red blood cells and hemoglobin. It results from inadequate intakes or assimilation of multiple essential vitamins and minerals. » Read more...
With our new focus on a multiple micronutrient approach, Sight and Life’s activities now include in-home fortification programs. These provide micronutrient powder mixtures (MNP), packed individually in single-dose sachet. They can be added to meals in appropriate amounts during food preparation – at home, or at school.