H.J. Heinz Company Foundation, WFP to fight malnutrition in Bangladesh

The H.J. Heinz Company Foundation says it will sponsor a nutrition mapping project conducted by the World Food Program (WFP) in Bangladesh.

This will result in a comprehensive strategy for addressing that country’s nutritional deficiencies in an efficient and sustainable manner.

The Foundation is supporting the project in the first year with a grant of $350,000, as well as in-kind technical assistance.

Although significant progress has been made in recent years, under-nutrition remains one of the most chronic and pressing public health issues in Bangladesh.

Young children and women are particularly at-risk, as nearly 40% of both groups are underweight, and almost half of children under five suffer from stunted growth.

According to multiple data sources, most Bangladeshis are also deficient in vitamins and minerals, especially iron, vitamin A and zinc, resulting in cognitive impairment, anemia and blindness, among other conditions.

WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, fighting hunger worldwide both through emergency response and long-term projects which improve people’s lives.

It was aiming to feed 5 million hungry people in Bangladesh, who have been seriously affected by high food prices and the downturn in the global economy – including many who were affected by last year’s Cyclone Sidr.

Due to major funding shortfalls, WFP reached 1.4 million.

In Bangladesh, WFP distributes wheat flour, biscuits and blended food, all fortified with essential micronutrients.

It also distributes micronutrient powders, which can be added to food, to targeted groups.