Micronutrient Action Plan instructional tool (MAPit): a training tool to support public health professionals’ efforts to eliminate micronutrient malnutrition

Abstract

Micronutrient malnutrition (MM) is a global health problem that affects the national socioeconomic stability of an affected country. This article describes a multimedia training tool, the Micronutrient Action Plan instructional tool (MAPit), which has been designed to support public health professionals’ efforts to eliminate MM. An overview and description of the main sections and features of MAPit are provided. The system is unique from other training tools on this topic because it reviews all components of an elimination program in one publication, it is based on a new model that highlights the dynamic nature of MM programs, and it includes an extensive archive of resources related to MM. MAPit is an initial step that builds the capacity of public health professionals to collaborate with national partners in MM‐prevention and elimination activities.

Acknowledgements

MAPit was funded and supported by the IMMPaCt (International Micronutrient Malnutrition Prevention and Control) Program. MAPit was produced with contributions and assistance from others. The core team of content developers and conceptual designers included Suzanne Elbon (co‐producer and programmer), Jacky Knowles (co‐producer), Emily Bobrow, and Arnold Timmer. The project benefited from the helpful evaluation and comments of Martha Alexander, Lana Cohen Corrales, Jonathan Gorstein, Laura Kettel Khan, Scott Poe, Hardeep Sandhu, Nadine Sunderland, Frits van der Haar, and Keri White. Special thanks to Jonathan Gorstein and Scott Poe for their extensive comments and constructive suggestions. The organizations and persons who agreed to have their materials included on this CD‐ROM are also acknowledged and thanked. The conceptual framework for MAPit is based in part on the Triple A Approach (UNICEF, 1990). MAPit contains photos selected from M/MC PhotoShare (Media/Materials Clearinghouse), available at http://www.jhuccp.org/mmc. Thanks to Joseph Kim for technical assistance with reproduction of the CD‐ROM. Finally, we acknowledge William Dietz from the Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity, and Mark White from Division of Epidemiology and Surveillance Capacity Development Branch (formerly known as Division of International Health) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for their encouragement and unfailing support.