The MERIEM pilot project targets all forms of malnutrition (undernutrition and overnutrition), including chronic malnutrition, which affects 21 to 47% of children under five in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, and leads to consequences that are irreversible in adulthood. The project targets those groups that are most vulnerable to malnutrition: mothers and young children under the age of 2.
In Ouagadougou, Niamey and Bamako, malnutrition affects the entire population, in particular young children in peri-urban areas where the population is rapidly increasing. It can have different forms such as undernutrition, nutrient deficiencies and excess bodyweight.
Malnutrition irreversibly affects young children, both physically (delayed growth, poor health) and cognitively (mental handicaps). It contributes to the vicious circle of poverty-malnutrition-illness, because malnourished children become adults that have greater difficulty contributing to the development of their country. Girls suffering from malnutrition are more likely to have children that are malnourished or have a low birth weight, reproducing malnutrition from one generation to the next.
The first 1,000 days in a child’s development begin at the start of pregnancy and continue up to his/her 2nd birthday. During this period, the child and his/her mother are particularly vulnerable to malnutrition.
The mother’s health during pregnancy, best feeding practices (exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, continuing to breastfeed until the age of 2, quality complementary foods), and best hygiene and healthcare practices are vital to prevent malnutrition during this period of opportunity where the positive impact on nutrition is possible over the long term.
Women of childbearing age, pregnant and subsequently breastfeeding women and young children must benefit from foods adapted to suit their nutritional requirements. Urban families are increasingly using ready-to-eat foods in Ouagadougou, Niamey and Bamako. Manufactured fortified food products are therefore an interesting alternative to pre-prepared food products with low nutritional quality.
With the MERIEM project, quality fortified food products are developed and put on the market for:
