Addressing Micronutrient Deficiencies in Zimbabwe: Achievements, Challenges and Future Actions

Objective: This paper explores lessons learnt from national health policies, strategies and nutrition interventions introduced in Zimbabwe post-independence to address the burden of micronutrient deficiencies. Methods: A desk review was conducted on national policies, and strategies to improve micronutrient status. The paper highlights key achievements, challenges, opportunities; and finally closes by highlighting current and future policy and intervention issues related to micronutrient deficiencies. Results: Great progress has been made towards addressing iodine deficiency, VAS (vitamin A supplementation) in children, iron folate among pregnant and lactating mothers, and establishing regulatory frameworks for food fortification. Initial findings from multi-sector nutrition interventions show great potential for the reduction of micronutrient deficiencies. Current micronutrient interventions need scaling up and strengthening. Nutrition advocacy and communication has remained limited and this is negatively impacting on demand driven programming for the control of micronutrient deficiencies. Conclusions: Strong partnerships within and outside government are needed to influence multisectoral programming and coordination mechanisms. Strong connections and linkages with agriculture, social protection, health and education are needed for optimal integrated nutrition sensitive programming to ensure sustainable access to micronutrient rich foods. High level government commitment at the national level is necessary for strong multi-disciplinary nutrition programming.