Launching the Iron Deficiency Project Advisory Service (IDPAS)

The International Nutrition Foundation (INF), in collaboration with the United Nations University (UNU) with funding from the Micronutrient Initiative (MI) will establish the Iron Deficiency Project Advisory Service (IDPAS). Based in Tufts University School of Nutrition Science and Policy, the IDPAS aims to expand a proactive network supporting those working on the prevention and control of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia in developing countries and countries in transition.

IDPAS will help individuals and projects to obtain specific information on any matter related to iron in nutrition and interventions for prevention and control of iron deficiency. Potential areas of support include:

• advocacy and policy development,
• problem assessment,
• program design,
• iron supplementation for all age groups,
• food fortification including technical issues related to enrichment mixes, costs and equipment,
• communication for dietary change,
• intervention monitoring and programme review.

The network also will help identify sources of technical expertise and funding.

IDPAS will work to facilitate communication between field level and technical experts through their website, email, fax, phone or courier. Its partner organisations include the Micronutrient Initiative, PAMM, ILSI, CDC, IFPRI, MOST, SUSTAIN, UNICEF, WHO, the World Bank, HKI, John Snow, BASICS, GTZ and others, as well as electronic discussion groups such as NGONUT and the Ironlist.

IDPAS is concentrating initially on newly initiated or accelerating programs and projects as well as a few well-established efforts to prevent and control iron deficiency anaemia. Priority countries include Azerbaijan, Egypt, Ghana, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyz Republic, Lebanon, Mongolia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Based on successful initial performance, the INF will expand this IDPAS service to those working on iron nutrition related activities in all countries.

IDPAS encourages those working to improve iron nutrition and reduce the prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia to get in touch.

Queries and comments about the network or on any matter related to improving iron nutrition should be sent to Gary Gleason, IDPAS, 126 Curtis Street, Medford, MA 02155 USA. Tel: (1-617) 627- 2291. Fax: (1-617) 627-3688 or E-mail: ggleason@inffoundation.org.