The Formulation, Application and Development of YingYangBao for Early Child Nutrition Improvement in China

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the development process of home-fortification in complementary food (YingYangBao, YYB) for nutrition security of early children in China and evidence needed for policy-making. Methods: We summarized the effectiveness and experiences of YYB delivery in pilot research and small to large scale trial of YYB in the fields. Results: The YYB program development was in three phases. First, research data collected during 2001-2009 in Gansu province, showed that YYB could reduce the anemia rate and growth failure of children under 24 months old, improve mental development until age of 9 years old. Secondly, YYB was applied in earthquake-affected areas in 2008, and General Standards on Complementary Food Supplements (GB/T 22570-2008) was established. Finally, the YYB projects were scaled up to the communities. A 3-years observation in Ledu County and an 18-months project covered 30,000 children in 8 counties were done during 2009-2012. Based on the scientific evidences, Qinghai provincial government decided to invest 10 million Yuan (1.7 million US dollars) to carry out early child development activities in 15 counties in 2011. Chinese government decided to initiate Children Nutrition Improvement Program in Poor Areas, with free YYB for children 6-24 month old in 100 poor counties in 2012 and the Program is expanded to 300 counties in 2013. Conclusions: Process from science to action for child nutrition improvement was described. An integrated program for government-leading program is developing. Future challenges and efforts on the policy sustainability in respects of demand-supply, public-private partnership and multi-sectoral coordination are discussed.