Written question asked by Lord Watson of Wyre Forest (Labour) on Monday, 29 March 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 April 2004. It was answered by Gareth Thomas (Labour) on Monday, 19 April 2004 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, how many people's health his Department estimates has been damaged as a result of lacking essential vitamins and minerals.

Answer: Mr. Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many people's health his Department estimates has been damaged as a result of lacking essential vitamins and minerals. [165255] Mr. Gareth Thomas: The Department for International Development (DFID) does not conduct its own global health estimates, but uses those produced by the international bodies mandated to do this such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). FAO estimate that more than 2 billion peoples health in the world is affected by a lack of essential vitamins and minerals. DFID is working to tackle malnutrition through a wide range of health, education and food security policies. DFID's position paper on food insecurity, "Eliminating Hunger" sets out a strategy for helping poor people access an adequate variety and quantity of safe, good-quality food. Since 2001 DFID has also provided core funding of over £440 million to WHO and UNICEF whose activities include directly providing essential vitamins and minerals to the most needy, particularly children who are at risk. DFID is also funding research into improving the nutritional content of crops, including vitamins and minerals.

Secondary information