The impact of zinc supplementation on childhood mortality and severe morbidity
Report of a workshop to review the results of three large studies
Overview
The Department of Child and Adolescent Health and Development (CAH), has been supporting and coordinating three very large studies, conducted in India, Nepal and Zanzibar, to evaluate the impact of zinc supplementation on infant and childhood mortality and severe morbidity. Approximately 150 000 children under three years of age have been enrolled in the studies, representing close to 200 000 child years of observation.
Articles arising from these studies can be accessed via the links below.
This document summarizes the conclusions and next steps arising from a workshop organized by WHO in Geneva, 15-16 September 2006:
- to review the results of the above-mentioned three studies;
- to develop a statement on the efficacy/safety of zinc supplementation in young children; and
- to review the implications of these results for interventions using zinc supplementation.