[Conclusions and recommendations of a WHO expert consultation meeting on iron supplementation for infants and young children in malaria endemic areas]. / Conclusions et recommandations à l'issue de la consultation de l'OMS sur la lutte contre la carence martiale chez le nourrisson et le jeune enfant dans les pays d'endémie palustre.

This article presents the results of an expert consultation meeting aimed at evaluating the safety and public health implications of administering supplemental iron to infants and young children in malaria-endemic areas. Participants at this meeting that took place in Lyon, France on June 12-14, 2006 reached consensus on several important issues related to iron supplementation for infants and young children in malaria-endemic areas. The conclusions in this report apply specifically to regions where malaria is endemic.

Fat intake and nutritional status of children in China.

Although the fat intake of Chinese children is not critically high, on the basis of an 8-province survey, the fat intake of urban boys aged 12-15 y rose from approximately 17% of their total energy intake in 1989 to nearly 30% in 1993. In contrast, a national survey conducted in 1992 indicated that the average fat intake of rural boys and girls aged 2-15 y was insufficient to meet the growth needs of early childhood, ranging from approximately 16% to 20% of their total energy intake. The prevalence of underweight and stunting among Chinese children declined from 1990 to 1995, and there was a disparity between the number of those affected in urban areas compared with rural areas. In a 1991 dietary survey of Chinese boys <6 y, stunting appeared to be linked with a low intake of protein and fat. Data on schoolchildren aged 7-17 y showed an improvement in nutrition from 1991 to 1995, but the prevalence of a low weight to height ratio was markedly higher among urban 17-y-old girls. Overweight and obesity are increasing among urban children and are of particular concern at 11 and 12 y of age. Detailed studies should be conducted to analyze the major risk factors of overweight and obesity and to establish appropriate interventions.

Disease surveillance in China.

In the past 10 years in China, because social conditions have been stable and the public health infrastructure has been well developed, the disease surveillance network has substantially improved. A computerized reporting system for notifiable diseases has been established that links China's 30 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities. Mechanisms for providing timely feedback to units that report data and for systematically assessing the quality of those data are important attributes of this system. During this period, data from the surveillance system have become more representative, and, simultaneously, more effective use of data has been promoted. Data collected through the disease surveillance network serve as the basis for formulating health policies and devising strategies for preventing disease.