Public health experts and policymakers from India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka convened in the capital to discuss the impact of micronutrient deficiencies in pregnant women on the neurodevelopment of unborn children.
The two-day SACMIND Stakeholders Meeting, held on November 6 and 7 at the Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research, brought together scientists, public health professionals, and representatives from UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO).
The discussions focused on insights from national surveys conducted across the five South Asian countries and on identifying practical strategies to ensure healthier pregnancies and newborns. Experts also reviewed existing initiatives to combat micronutrient deficiencies among expectant mothers and assessed their effectiveness in improving health outcomes.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participants agreed to share key findings with respective governments and urged them to prioritise maternal nutrition, strengthen policies, and implement robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure that interventions reach women at the grassroots level.