|
Partners
The Micronutrient Initiative
The Micronutrient Initiative is a Canada-based international
not-for-profit organization dedicated to eliminating vitamin and mineral
deficiencies (VMD) worldwide.
Eliminating VMD is our only mission and passion. We are the most
experienced and longest-standing global organization specifically committed to
eliminating vitamin and mineral deficiency.
We are scientists, nutritionists, policy and development experts
and on-the-ground practitioners. Our breadth, depth, and experience on
eliminating micronutrient deficiency is unmatched.
We see it through. From basic research, to setting up local
fortification projects, to developing and implementing national programs and
campaigns.
We are a global network. Based in Ottawa, Canada with regional
offices in Johannesburg, South Africa and New Delhi, India, we serve over 75
countries and continue to expand our reach to those who need it most.
We work directly or through others, with equal effectiveness.
MI's significant progress towards ending vitamin and mineral
deficiency would not be possible without the help, support and contributions of
our partners around the world. All of the achievements described in our
Annual Report and Micronutrients: A Decade of Progress were
achieved jointly with them. We are profoundly grateful for their continuing
support and commitment.
Mission and Operations
Our mission is to help people around the world maximize their
potential and well-being through access to essential vitamins and minerals that
they otherwise would not receive.
We tackle vitamin and mineral deficiency globally by:
- Integrating the efforts of governments, organizations, and
companies across our global network
- Intervening with decision-makers and on the ground to ensure
effective delivery of micronutrients to populations
- Informing policymakers, government leaders, scientists, the
general public, and the media on the results, latest advances, and remaining
challenges in eliminating micronutrient deficiency.
We are passionate about:
- Reaching people in need of vitamins and minerals to improve
their health and well-being
- Ensuring beneficiaries sustain progress
- Applying innovative solutions based on the latest science
- Cultivating relationships with our partners; and
- Helping nations save lives and improve livelihoods through
better nutrition
History
In 1990, leaders attending the World Summit for Children pledged
to protect the world's children from micronutrient malnutrition. In 1992, the
Micronutrient Initiative was born out of that pledge.
MI was established as a secretariat, to operate within the
International Development Research Centre (IDRC). Until 2001, MI was governed
by a steering committee comprised of these principal donors and supporters:
- Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA);
- International Development Research Centre (IDRC);
- United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF);
- World Bank; and
- US Agency for International Development (USAID).
During the nine years that MI operated within IDRC, it supported
nutrition programs in more than 75 countries. It also dedicated considerable
resources to building knowledge, consensus and momentum. Working with its many
partners, MI identified and developed mechanisms to enhance the nutritional
status of malnourished people. It cultivated effective partnerships with
governments, international development agencies, food industries and
non-governmental organizations.
In keeping with the commitment put forward at the World Summit for
Children in 1990, MI's efforts were aimed at initiating and sustaining
concerted international action to rid the world of micronutrient
malnutrition. |
