| Detailed Objective: This project provides support for an international research conference on interventions
to prevent low birth weights. Research on USDA's Special Supplemental Nutrition
Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) has demonstrated its importance
and cost effectiveness in successfully reducing low birth weight outcomes.
Low birth weight is associated with increased rates of death and disability
in childhood and also with increased rates of premature death and ill health
from cardiovascular disease and diabetes in adult life. Yet, there is no consensus
on how to intervene at different states in order to prevent low birthweight.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, UNICEF, and the World Bank decided to convene
a consultation among specialists on scientific issues and programs to galvanize
interest and support the development of interventions to reduce low birthweight,
particularly in developing countries though drawing on the experience gained
in the U.S. |