Sprinkles® Launch in South Africa
One approach to fighting high levels of infant malnutrition is through creating a market for small packets of multinutrient powders, replicating a model that has been successful in Bangladesh, and Kenya. Known as ‘Sprinkles®’, mothers like Linah Mtotoba, can add these supplements to the meals they serve to their children 6 to 24 months old. The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) teamed up with the pharmaceutical company Nycomed to develop and launch the product in South Africa. Dr. Riaan van Tonder, Nycomed’s Head of New Business Development, discusses their efforts.
GAIN: Tell us about malnutrition in South Africa and Sprinkles® as a means to overcome it
Dr Riaan van Tonder (RV): Reduced growth or height loss, known as stunting, as a result of malnutrition is still high in many provinces in South Africa. Multinutrient powders, small packets of essential vitamins and minerals in powder form, can help prevent young children from suffering from malnutrition-related problems. Parents can sprinkle them onto the foods they prepare for their infants from six months of age to supplement the really good practice of breastfeeding. Since South African mothers already add peanut butter and sugar to foods like maize-based porridge, we believe that they will accept adding Sprinkles®.
GAIN: Tell us more about the Sprinkles® product and the level of quality control that goes into it
RV: The Sprinkles® product that we have been manufacturing over the past three years and that is about to launch (the product will be available in pharmacies from October 2011) is based on a globally accepted Sprinkles Global Health Initiative product formulation from Dr. Stanley Zlotkin and his partners at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada. The one gram packet, recommended for use once a day, contains 14 micronutrients children need to develop well. We source our raw materials from the best possible suppliers and manufacture in the best possible facility. As a pharmaceutical company quality is of the utmost importance to us.
GAIN: What is GAIN’s added value in the project?
RV: I’ve been encouraged by the people working for GAIN we have come into contact with over the past three years – everybody, from the initial consultant to discuss the project through to the team who will be monitoring the project. Besides financial support, we have also appreciated the amount of science and data GAIN has made available to us. We see GAIN as a partner going forward even when the project ends in three years time.
GAIN: Would you give Sprinkles® to your child?
RV: I’m the proud father of a three-year old busy and active boy. My wife and I are both healthcare practitioners and we believe in Sprinkles®. We pour a packet onto our son’s porridge every morning. The slogan – ‘a sprinkle of goodness your kids won’t even know is there’ – rings true. Our son, who is a reasonably fussy eater, has no idea his porridge is supplemented with multiple micronutrients!
Reporting by Karie Atkinson, GAIN
Read more about GAIN's efforts in South Africa
Partnership to Fortify South Africa's Future Generations
Simple, Affordable Nutrition Solution to Empower South African Mothers and their Children
Reporting by Karie Atkinson, GAIN
