The Panamanian government recently implemented a nationwide milk fortification program aimed at children 0-6 years of age. It is estimated that the program will benefit 50,000 young children in its first year of operation. Distribution of the milk will be handled by the ministry of education through pre- and elementary schools nation-wide. Without giving specifics regarding the milk additives to be used, the head of school nutrition and health explained that the milk will contain all nutrients needed to guarantee that children achieve the level of physical and mental development corresponding to their age level. The program, which should be fully operational by the end of this year, aims at eliminating infant malnutrition which impedes both physical and neurological development in the nation’s poorest households.
SOURCE: includes information from the article “Enriquecerán leche para menores de siete años”, El Panama America (24 September, 2000).
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