Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition Information System

The Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition Information System (VMNIS), formerly known as the Micronutrient Deficiency Information System (MDIS), was established in 1991 following a request by the World Health Assembly that surveillance of micronutrient deficiencies be strengthened at the global level. Part of WHO's mandate is to assess the magnitude of micronutrient malnutrition, to monitor and evaluate the impact of strategies for their prevention and control, and to track related trends over time. The Micronutrient team of the Department of Nutrition for Health and Development manages the VMNIS through WHO's network of regional and country offices and in close collaboration with national health authorities.

The objectives of the VMNIS are:

• To provide Member States with up to date national, regional and global assessment of the magnitude of micronutrient deficiencies.
• To monitor and evaluate, through systematic data collection over time, the impact of WHO strategies to prevent and control micronutrient deficiencies.
• To track the progress made towards the goal of elimination of the major micronutrient deficiencies adopted by the international community.
• To provide Member States with technical support to increase capacity for establishment and maintenance of national micronutrient deficiency surveillance.

Currently, the VMNIS includes three databases dealing with iodine deficiency, vitamin A deficiency, and anaemia.

The database on iodine deficiency first appeared in 1993. An updated version is now accessible on line. Users have the option of selecting a country and displaying data on goitre prevalence (grade 1, grade 2, and total goitre prevalence) and/or concentration of urinary iodine excretion. Data from all available surveys carried out in a given country are presented starting with the most recent survey.

The database on vitamin A deficiency was first published in 1995. It is being revised and will soon be available on this Web site. The database compiles information on clinical and subclinical vitamin A deficiency of all population groups, mainly preschool age children and women of childbearing age. Prevalence of xerophthalmia, including night blindness, and serum retinol values (mean and/or % of the survey population <0.35µmol/l, <0.70 µmol/l and 1.05 µmol/l) will be presented by country.

The global database on anaemia compiles information on anaemia prevalence based on the haemoglobin concentration of all population groups (infants, children, adults and pregnant women). Information available on iron status indicators, such as serum ferritin, serum transferrin receptors, erythrocyte protoporphyrin, will subsequently be included in the database to distinguish between iron deficiency anaemia and anaemia due to other causes (e.g. malaria and hookworm).

For further information about VMNIS, or if you would like to provide updated country information, please contact:

Address:
Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition Information System
Department of Nutrition for Health and Development
World Health Organization
Avenue Appia 20
1211 Geneva 27
Switzerland

Facsimile (fax): + 41 22 791 41 56

E-mail: micronutrients@who.int