Nepal Maternal Malnutrition Project: US Eleanor Crook Foundation Collaboration for Nutritional Supplements
28th March 2025, Kathmandu
Nepal’s Health Minister, Pradeep Poudel, has proposed collaborating with the Eleanor Crook Foundation, a U.S.-based charity, to tackle malnutrition among pregnant women and newborns.
Nepal Maternal Malnutrition Project
He made this proposal during a global nutrition conference in Paris. Minister Poudel met with William Moore, the Executive Director of the Eleanor Crook Foundation, at the Nepali Embassy in Paris to discuss the issue.
Current Iron Supplements Are Inadequate
At present, pregnant women in Nepal receive iron tablets to fight malnutrition. These tablets contain iron and folic acid, but experts say they lack 15 other essential nutrients. As a result, the government is planning to replace these tablets with a new supplement that includes all necessary nutrients. This change is intended to better address the nutritional needs of pregnant women and newborns.
Positive Response from the Eleanor Crook Foundation
The Eleanor Crook Foundation responded positively to Minister Poudel’s request for cooperation. The organization agreed to help by studying the costs of the new supplements. They also expressed interest in signing a formal agreement with the Nepali government in the near future.
Minister Poudel stressed the need for funding to ensure that maternal and child health services are not hindered by financial constraints. “We are working to find resources to improve maternal and child health despite economic challenges,” he said. “This meeting is just one step forward. We are hopeful about the results.”
Potential for Local Industry Collaboration
Dr. Vivek Kumar Lal, head of Nepal’s Family Welfare Division, mentioned that a plan for collaboration is already in place. He believes that work on this initiative could begin within the next few months. “This is a positive step toward improving maternal and infant nutrition in Nepal,” Dr. Lal noted.
In addition to the support from the Eleanor Crook Foundation, Minister Poudel also suggested collaborating with local industries to produce the new supplements. The foundation welcomed this idea, offering further support to help Nepal produce the supplements locally.
The Importance of Nutritional Improvements
Providing better nutrition to pregnant women can significantly reduce maternal and infant mortality rates. Dr. Lal explained that the new supplements would play a crucial role in improving health outcomes. Better nutrition for mothers will lead to healthier babies and lower health costs in the long term.
The government’s plan to produce the supplements locally would also help create jobs, as Nepali industries would be involved in the production process. This local collaboration will ensure a steady supply of the new supplements for those in need.
Next Steps in the Partnership
The Eleanor Crook Foundation will begin by studying the cost of producing the new nutritional supplements. Minister Poudel hopes that production can start within a year. Local pharmaceutical companies are ready to participate in the manufacturing process.
Health workers in Nepal are excited about the potential impact of the new supplements. They often see cases of malnourished mothers and low-birth-weight babies, and they believe that the new nutrients will improve maternal and infant health significantly.
In conclusion, the partnership between Nepal and the Eleanor Crook Foundation could lead to a major improvement in nutrition for pregnant women and newborns. If the agreement is finalized soon, it could save lives and contribute to a healthier future for Nepal’s youngest citizens. The coming months will be crucial as both parties work to finalize the partnership.
For more: Nepal Maternal Malnutrition Project
