http://www.hki.org/ Helen Keller International Research & Publications Feed en-us 40 Available iron status indicators reflect different aspects of metabolism. We compared the prevalence and distribution of iron deficiency (ID) and iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) among Cameroonian women and children, as measured by plasma ferritin, and soluble transferrin receptor concentrations, body iron stores (BIS), and hemoglobin, and evaluated the impact of adjustments for inflammation on these measures. Published in J. Nutr. 143: 369–377, 2013. Mon, 11 Mar 2013 17:26:55 +0000 http://www.hki.org/research/JNutr2013_IndicatorsIDA_WRA_childrenCameroon.pdf http://www.hki.org/research/JNutr2013_IndicatorsIDA_WRA_childrenCameroon.pdf In Burkina Faso in 2009, with support from USAID Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, HKI introduced an adapted version of this “Enhanced HFP” (EHFP) model in the Fada district, where IFPRI is leading research using a randomized cluster design to assess the impact of this package of interventions on the prevalence of stunting in children 3-12 months of age. Mon, 07 Jan 2013 22:00:04 +0000 http://www.hki.org/research/EnhancedHFP_BurkinaFaso_2012.pdf http://www.hki.org/research/EnhancedHFP_BurkinaFaso_2012.pdf Background: Preventive chemotherapy against schistosomiasis has been implemented since 2005 in Mali, targeting schoolage children and adults at high risk. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2010 to evaluate the impact of repeated treatment among school-age children in the highly-endemic region of Segou. Methodology/Principal Findings: The survey was conducted in six sentinel schools in three highly-endemic districts, and 640 school children aged 7–14 years were examined. Infections with Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni were diagnosed with the urine filtration and the Kato-Katz method respectively. Overall prevalence of S. haematobium infection was 61.7%, a significant reduction of 30% from the baseline in 2004 (p,0.01), while overall prevalence of S. mansoni infection was 12.7% which was not significantly different from the baseline. Overall mean intensity of S. haematobium and S. mansoni infection was 180.4 eggs/10 ml of urine and 88.2 epg in 2004 respectively. These were reduced to 33.2 eggs/10 ml of urine and 43.2 epg in 2010 respectively, a significant reduction of 81.6% and 51% (p,0.001). The proportion of heavy S. haematobium infections was reduced from 48.8% in 2004 to 13.8% in 2010, and the proportion of moderate and heavy S. mansoni infection was reduced from 15.6% in 2004 to 9.4% in 2010, both significantly (p,0.01). Mathematical modelling suggests that the observed results were in line with the expected changes. Conclusions/Significance: Significant reduction in intensity of infection on both infections and modest but significant reduction in S. haematobium prevalence were achieved in highly-endemic Segou region after repeated chemotherapy. However, persistent prevalence of both infections and relatively high level of intensity of S. mansoni infection suggest that more intensified control measures be implemented in order to achieve the goal of schistosomiasis elimination. In addition, closer monitoring and evaluation activities are needed in the programme to monitor the drug tolerance and to adjust treatment focus. Tue, 28 Aug 2012 20:31:44 +0000 http://www.hki.org/research/Mali Schisto Impact_PLoS_July2012.pdf http://www.hki.org/research/Mali Schisto Impact_PLoS_July2012.pdf Orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) can contribute to broader development goals by enhanching female empowerment Fri, 24 Aug 2012 17:39:50 +0000 http://www.hki.org/research/Why do women matter in OFSP programs.pdf http://www.hki.org/research/Why do women matter in OFSP programs.pdf By contributing the multiple food security benefits of sweetpotato plus signifigant amounts of vitamin A, orange-fleshed sweetpotatoe (OFSP) is a winning choice in food security for all Fri, 24 Aug 2012 17:36:15 +0000 http://www.hki.org/research/Can OFSP Enhance Food Security in Africa.pdf http://www.hki.org/research/Can OFSP Enhance Food Security in Africa.pdf Many inaccurate beliefs around sweetpotato affect demand for this food. To promote OFSP effectively, advocates need to know the facts. Fri, 24 Aug 2012 16:38:07 +0000 http://www.hki.org/research/Sweetpotato Facts and Fiction.pdf http://www.hki.org/research/Sweetpotato Facts and Fiction.pdf Vitamin A is a micronutrient that is found in food. Everyone needs vitamin A to be healthy, but children between 6 months and 8 years of age, and pregnant and breastfeeding women have special additional needs. Fri, 24 Aug 2012 16:32:22 +0000 http://www.hki.org/research/What is Vitamin A deficiency and what foods can help prevent it.pdf http://www.hki.org/research/What is Vitamin A deficiency and what foods can help prevent it.pdf Sweetpotato, with roots that are white or yellow inside, is widely grown throughout Tanzania. It is the fourth most important food crop and is particularly important in the densely-populated Lake Victoria Zone. This easy to grow, resilient crop is known as the classic food security crop that is there when the maize fails. Area under sweetpotato in Tanzania is expanding, in part because this crop provides more food (194 MJ) per hectare per day than maize (145 MJ) or cassava (138 MJ)). Its short maturing period (3-5 months), ability to grow under marginal conditions and flexible planting and harvest times are also driving its expansion. Fri, 24 Aug 2012 16:30:10 +0000 http://www.hki.org/research/Why invest in OFSP in Tanzania.pdf http://www.hki.org/research/Why invest in OFSP in Tanzania.pdf Sweetpotato, with roots that are white or yellow inside, is widely grown in Mozambique. This easy to grow, resilient crop is known as the classic food security crop that is there when the maize fails. Area under sweetpotato has expanded in Mozambique, in part because this crop provides more food (194 MJ) per hectare per day than maize (145 MJ) and cassava (138 MJ). Its short production cycle (3-5 months), ability to grow under marginal conditions and in post-disaster situations, and flexible planting and harvest times, are also driving its expansion. Fri, 24 Aug 2012 16:26:19 +0000 http://www.hki.org/research/Why Invest in OFSP in Mozambique.pdf http://www.hki.org/research/Why Invest in OFSP in Mozambique.pdf The Food Security and Nutrition Surveillance Project (FSNSP) provides up-to-date, seasonal information on the situation of food and nutrition security in Bangladesh for six surveillance zones as well as the nation as a whole. This bulletin presents selected results from the fifth round of surveillance which took place from June 5th to August 24th 2011. The fifth round included 4,808 children less than five years of age and 9,227 women and adolescent girls aged 12 to 49 years in 9,000 households. In this report, percentages given at the end of the bars of each graph are for the overall prevalence estimates for that particular indicator (regardless of severity), and the error bars indicate the corresponding 95% confidence interval. Adjusted Wald tests were used to determine the statistical significance of changes in indicators between surveillance rounds. Additional details about the terms used in each graph can be found in the endnotes. Wed, 01 Aug 2012 15:36:17 +0000 http://www.hki.org/research/HKI Bulletin Bangladesh September 2011 Food Security Round 5.pdf http://www.hki.org/research/HKI Bulletin Bangladesh September 2011 Food Security Round 5.pdf