All We Expect Nutrition:  A Basic Human Right

Production Co: Gainsborough Communications Group

Director: Randi Lisabeth Hansen

Year: 1995

Genre:

Region: Africa, Asia, Latin America

Duration: 24'

Language: English

Over two billion people around the world suffer from micronutrient malnutrition - a deficiency of essential nutrients like iron, iodine and vitamin A.  For social as well as biological reasons, women and girls are especially vulnerable to a hidden danger, which has a profound impact on their health, as well as on infant mortality rates and children's development and achievement.  Arguing that sound nutrition is a fundamental human right, director Randi Lisabeth Hansen films examples of successful programmes designed to counter anaemia and nutrient deficiency around the world - and calls for action to end a preventable tragedy by fortifying foods with appropriate minerals and vitamins.  What is needed, the film claims, is an integrated approach to nutrition and diet which brings together issues of rural development, public health, poverty reduction and education in the best interests of women everywhere.  Aimed at policy makers, development workers and the public, the film supports the efforts of the Micronutrient Initiative in helping to reach internationally agreed standards for nutrition by the year 2000.  Putting an end to micronutrient deficiency, it suggests, requires an effort of both collective and individual responsibility.