Q: What is the Zinc Saves Kids initiative?
A: Zinc Saves Kids is an initiative of the International Zinc Association (IZA) to improve the survival, growth and development of malnourished children in developing countries by funding UNICEF’s zinc-containing micronutrient programs. Zinc Saves Kids will raise a minimum of US$ 3 million over a three year period -from January 2010 till December 2012. These funds will be used by UNICEF to provide zinc supplements to children under the age of five years in Nepal and Peru who suffer from zinc deficiency and its health implications.
Q: What is zinc deficiency?
A: Zinc deficiency is a global health problem leading to the death of 450,000 children under the age of five worldwide according to UNICEF. Zinc deficiency is mainly related to an inadequate intake of zinc. Zinc is supplied to the body through a diversified diet including meats and fish which are often inaccessible to people in developing countries. Children are especially vulnerable to zinc deficiency. Zinc deficiency weakens their immune system making them incapable of fighting diarrhea and infections such as pneumonia. Zinc deficiency leads also to growth retardation and stunting and if chronically in the first two years of life it causes irreversible damage to the brain development of a child.
Q: How can zinc deficiency be treated?
A: Zinc deficiency can easily be treated through the provision of zinc supplements. A 10-14 day course of 20mg zinc in combination with Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) can stop diarrhea and prevent further episodes for two to three months. The costs of this treatment are 50 US cents. Zinc-containing micro-nutrient powders are used for prevention and treatment of malnutrition and amount to 2-4 US$ per child per year. A few extra milligrams of zinc every day can make a huge difference and are a quick and easy, effective and inexpensive remedy.
Q: How is Zinc Saves Kids implemented on the ground?
A: UNICEF is implementing Zinc Saves Kids on the ground through an integrated program including the provision of supplementation and treatment, education of families, training of health workers and cooperation with national and local authorities and NGOs. IZA committed to raising a minimum of US$3 million over three years to support this initiative.
Q: What happens after the three years?
A: IZA considers the fight against global zinc deficiency a long-term commitment and will review possibilities of continuing its engagement at the end of the three year agreement in December 2012.
Q: Can I make a donation to this initiative?
A: Yes. We welcome your donation as a private individual, community, company and/or NGO. Every cent will help save lives. Personal donations can be made online with your credit card via PayPal. Please go to Donate. Corporate contributions can be made by wire transfer or cheque. Please contact zsk-donations@zinc.org.
Q: Is my donation to Zinc Saves Kids tax-deductable?
A: Zinc Saves Kids has charitable status in the United States of America and Canada and donations made to these jurisdictions are fully tax-deductable. In the European Union Zinc Saves Kids is in the process of filing for charitable status and will soon be able to issue tax receipts.
Q: Where will the money that I donate go?
A: 100% of the money donated to Zinc Saves Kids goes directly to UNICEF to implement Zinc Saves Kids in Nepal and Peru.
Q: What is the International Zinc Association and why is it involved in this particular initiative?
A: The International Zinc Association (IZA) is a non-profit organization representing the global zinc industry by promoting zinc’s essentiality in present and potential product applications, human health and crop nutrition and by highlighting zinc’s contribution to sustainable development. IZA has been active for many years in advancing research on zinc’s importance for health and nutrition and is involved in this initiative because it is its global citizenship responsibility to provide zinc to these mostly in need of it; namely zinc-deficient children worldwide.
Q: Is the zinc industry making money from the sale of zinc supplements?
A: No. The sale of zinc for pharmaceutical purposes represents an almost zero percent share of zinc sales by the zinc industry. Zinc Saves Kids is a social responsibility program and stems from the firm belief that zinc can save the lives of the most of our society; children.
Q: Apart from this website, do you have any hard copy pamphlets/brochures on Zinc Saves Kids?
A: Yes. We have posters, pamphlets and a brochure available in several languages. If you would like copies, please contact us at zincsaveskids@zinc.org.
Q: Can I find you on Facebook?
A: Yes, you can at: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=355245623012.
Q: Where can I find more information about zinc in general?
A: You can visit the website: www.zinc.org. |
