MDG 5: Improve Maternal Health

More than a billion people worldwide, including 162 million pre-school children, are malnourished. Over 12 million infants suffer low birth weight every year [Behrman et al., 2004, Copenhagen Consensus paper]. Malnourishment exacts a heavy toll, shortening longevity, worsening susceptibility to debilitating disease, and locking people out of economic opportunity. Productivity gains in agriculture, on the other hand, fuel a virtuous cycle that improves incomes, nutrition, health and sanitation, among other measures of well-being.

Research Results:

Quality protein maize, bred by CGIAR researchers and partners to offer more essential amino acids such as lysine and tryptophan, is now being cultivated in 25 countries.