ZINC FOR CHILD HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF RESEARCH FINDINGS

Abstract

Malnutrition and various micronutrient deficiencies are widespread in developing countries. Although the
role of vitamin A and iron in child health has been acknowledged for a long time, the importance of zinc has
not been recognized until recently. Indeed, zinc is a micronutrient of great public health importance. Recent
research has indicated that prevention of zinc deficiency among young children in developing countries
could have a significant impact on health as well as the economy.
In the near future, the World Health Organization (WHO) will recommend oral zinc for the treatment of
acute and persistent diarrhea in young children. The WHO has also proposed to include zinc in its essential
medicine list. Several key issues regarding zinc research and the impact of zinc on child health will be
discussed in this paper.
Key Words: Zinc, young children, diarrhea, child health, developing countries and Nepal.