Why was Pushtikona developed?
In 1996, a group of UNICEF consultants determined that the standard iron drops were not effective, as adherence to treatment remained poor. They called for a simple, inexpensive and potentially viable new method to provide micronutrients (including iron) to populations at risk. The Sprinkles (5-micronutrient predecessor to Pushtikona) concept was based on two observations from the ‘West’ where micronutrient deficiencies are rare: (a) fortification of commercially available food provides essential micronutrients and (b) no change in the color, texture or taste of the food ensures compliance. Responding to the challenge, the Sprinkles Global Health Initiative at The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, developed Sprinkles utilizing encapsulated iron that could be added directly to food. In Bangladesh, the 15 micro-nutrient Sprinkles is known as Pushtikona.
