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The hidden hunger of the vitamin and mineral deficient child

© UNICEF/2004/Mead
Doctor Victor Aguayo, UNICEF’s nutritional advisor for West and Central Africa

UNICEF HOUSE 24 March, 2004 -- A new report launched today by UNICEF and the Micronutrient Initiative offers a global overview of vitamin and mineral deficiency - a public health issue that prevents a third of the world’s children from reaching their intellectual and physical potential.
The report is accompanied by Individual Damage Assessment Reports that present the most comprehensive picture to date of the toll being taken by vitamin and mineral deficiency in 80 developing countries.

“Vitamin and mineral deficiency is the source of the most massive ‘hidden hunger’ and malnutrition in the world today. The ‘hidden hunger’ due to micronutrient deficiency does not produce hunger as we know it.” said UNICEF’s Deputy Executive Director Mr. Kul C. Gautam, at a press conference at UNICEF House this morning. “You might not feel it in the belly, but it strikes at the core of your health and vitality. It remains widespread, posing devastating threats to health, education, economic growth and to human dignity in developing countries.”

Audio

Doctor Victor Aguayo, UNICEF’s nutritional advisor for West and Central Africa, told Francis Mead that children’s lives are deeply affected by the lack of minerals and vitamins.

Audio Clip [mp3]

This interview is available for downloading and broadcast.

Link to press centre

Read Deputy Executive Director Mr. Kul C. Gautam’s remarks on the VMD Global Progress Report

View the report

Vitamin and Mineral Deficiency, A Global Progress Report

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Audio

Doctor Victor Aguayo, UNICEF’s nutritional advisor for West and Central Africa, told Francis Mead that children’s lives are deeply affected by the lack of minerals and vitamins. This interview is available for downloading and broadcast.

Audio clip ([mp3]; right-click to download)

Link to press centre

View the report

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