Kazakhstan Orphan Nutrition Project: Addressing the nutritional needs of orphans ages 0-3 in Kazakhstani baby houses

Background: The Kazakhstan Orphan Nutrition Project (KONP) is the first program in Central Asia to explore the nutritional needs of orphans living in baby houses. Project: Between February 2009 and June 2010, SPOON Foundation in collaboration with the Kazakh Academy of Nutrition collected comprehensive baseline data on the nutritional status of children living in 10 baby houses in Kazakhstan. A sample of 286 children ages 0-3 years was assessed for anthropometrics, nutrient biomarkers (blood), and Bayley Scales for Infant Development (BSID). After the assessment, 8 baby houses were randomly assigned to receive one of the following interventions: 1) control; 2) a vitamin supplement; 3) a new nutrition-enriched diet; or 4) both a supplement and special diet. Qualitative data was then collected to assess baby house operations and feeding practices. Results: The baseline assessment revealed that 73% of the children presented one or more significant nutrition-related condition. The BSID showed that half of the children experienced mild to severe mental and motor delays. More than half the children left their respective baby houses following the baseline assessment, limiting the impact of the intervention. However, as a result of KONP's efforts, the Kazakh Ministry of Health adopted new nutrition norms and the nutrition-enriched diet to be implemented in each of Kazakhstan's 25 baby houses. Based on the qualitative data, trainings were developed for baby house staff to supplement the new menu and norms. Conclusions: Baseline and qualitative data demonstrate a dire need for comprehensive nutrition and feeding programs in Kazakhstani baby houses.