January 16, 2008 New Research Shows Nutrition Programs Targeting Pregnancy and First 24 Months of Life Dramatically Improve Child Survival and Overall Health Maternal and Child Undernutrition Largest Contributor to Global Disease Burden

WASHINGTON -- A landmark series of research papers on maternal and child undernutrition published in the leading international medical journal The Lancet today shows that children will suffer irreversible damage into their adult life if proper nutrition interventions are not delivered before the age of 24 months. The Lancet's Series on Maternal and Child Undernutrition reviews and analyzes the effectiveness and potential impact of nutrition-related interventions and policies in developing countries, and recommends actions to accelerate efforts to improve maternal and child undernutrition.

To read the full press release, visit the The Lancet's Series on Maternal and Child Undernutrition Web site.

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Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people's health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, the foundation is led by CEO Jeff Raikes and co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett.