Assuring the Continuing Quality of the WHO Vitamin and Mineral Information Nutrition System

Start Date: 2008

Background

In a response to a World Health Assembly call to strengthen the global surveillance of micronutrient deficiencies, the World Health Organization (WHO), Reduction in Micronutrient Malnutrition Unit established the Vitamin and Mineral Nutrition Information System (VMNIS). In 1991 this system was formerly known as the Micronutrient Deficiency Information System (MDIS) . The goal of the VMNIS is to provide up-to-date national, regional, and global information on iodine deficiency disorders (IDD), anemia, and vitamin A deficiency (VAD).

For groups working to eliminate micronutrient malnutrition, the VMNIS helps them–

• Assess the micronutrient status of populations.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of prevention and control programs on micronutrient malnutrition.
• Track progress over time. 

WHO and its partners also plan to add two new databases to the surveillance system to monitor zinc deficiency and iron deficiency worldwide. 

As part of a cooperative agreement with WHO, the CDC–

• Funds the maintenance of the surveillance systems databases housed at the WHO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
• Provides technical assistance on data use.

There has been no previous systematic evaluation of the VMNIS to determine its success in achieving its objectives.

Status

In October 2008, representatives of the CDC visited the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, to provide technical assistance to the WHO Reduction in Micronutrient Malnutrition Unit. The CDC representatives assessed the epidemiological aspects of the databases from the current surveillance systems (IDD, anemia, VAD) and provided technical assistance on the development of the databases for the new surveillance systems (zinc deficiency and iron deficiency).  The assessment followed the CDC Updated Guidelines for Evaluating Public Health Surveillance Systems.  The assessment identified recommendations for improving the system.

The CDC continues the financial and technical support for upgrading, expanding, and maintaining the VMNIS.

Future Plans

The CDC plans a follow-up visit to WHO headquarters in the spring of 2009 to provide epidemiological assistance and technical leadership in implementing the recommendations from the previous assessment.

Partners

CDC currently works with the World Health Organization (WHO), Reduction in Micronutrient Malnutrition Unit on this initiative.  

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