Researchers Honored for Careers Dedicated to the Fight Against Child Mortality
Published 01-28-11
Submitted by International Zinc Association
(Marketwire) - Professors Kenneth H. Brown (University of California, Davis), Ananda S. Prasad (Wayne State University), and Robert E. Black (Johns Hopkins University), were recognized with the 2010 Prince Mahidol Award for "outstanding contributions to global public health," in recognition of their efforts in the identification and control of human zinc deficiency. The awards were presented by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn during a special ceremony held at the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall in Bangkok, Thailand on the occasion of the Prince Mahidol Award Conference 2011/Second Global Forum on Human Resources for Health.
Zinc micronutrient deficiency is a significant public health issue, causing 800,000 deaths overall and putting at risk more than two billion people due to ailments such as diarrhea and pneumonia. Many of these cases are preventable with a simple zinc supplement. Furthermore, adequate zinc nutrition has been linked to improved cognitive development in children.
Stephen Wilkinson, Executive Director of the International Zinc Association, said:
"Zinc supplements are effective and affordable yet they are underutilized as public health interventions. This inexpensive solution should be recognized by all child health policymakers to put an end to the global crisis of zinc deficiency. IZA has been an active supporter of the International Zinc Nutrition Consultative Group (IZiNCG) and Professor Brown's work since its inception and is pleased by the opportunity this award will provide to promote the importance of adequate zinc nutrition for child health and survival."
Public awareness of this critical public health issue is increasing:
The IZA is a non-profit organization representing the global zinc industry by promoting zinc’s essentiality in present and potential product applications, human health and crop nutrition and by highlighting zinc’s contribution to sustainable development. IZA has been active in zinc and nutrition efforts by supporting scientific research, publishing information materials and holding conferences. IZA also supports the International Zinc Nutrition Consultative Group (IZiNCG) and Zinc Saves Kids.
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