ICBF Nutrition Guide: Enhancing Food Security and Nutritional Well-being

This technical guide consolidates national-level information on nutrition and food, designed for implementation across the Colombian Institute of Family Welfare (ICBF) programs. It serves as a resource for nutritionists and dietitians, both within ICBF and in collaborating service administration entities (EAS), providing technical guidance for the effective development and monitoring of nutrition initiatives throughout Colombia. The guide addresses demographic, epidemiological, and nutritional factors affecting the Colombian population, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals and international guidelines for promoting nutrition in Latin America. It emphasizes integrated protection, differential care, shared responsibility, and intersectoral coordination to ensure adequate nutrition and health for children, adolescents, and families. The ICBF's Nutrition Directorate compiles essential criteria for implementing nutrition components in programs serving early childhood, adolescence, families, and communities, in accordance with national food security policies.

Colombia has experienced significant demographic shifts, including increased life expectancy, improved literacy, and declining fertility rates. These changes, coupled with industrialization, urbanization, increased education levels, and evolving family structures, impact the country's socioeconomic landscape. The guide acknowledges these transformations and their effects on population age structures, shifting from a broad base of children and pre-adolescents to a narrower base. It also addresses spatial transitions, such as rural-to-urban migration, which affects food security and nutrition. The document emphasizes the importance of considering both national and regional data when developing plans and projects to improve food security and nutrition. It aligns with the principles of integrated protection, the best interests of children, the prevalence of rights, and shared responsibility as outlined in Law 1098 of 2006.

The nutrition component of ICBF programs aims to improve the nutritional status and food security of vulnerable populations in Colombia. The specific objectives include providing guidelines for nutritional assessment, promoting healthy eating habits, preventing malnutrition in all its forms, and ensuring access to quality food and nutritional supplements. The guide also seeks to strengthen the capacity of ICBF staff and partner organizations to implement effective nutrition interventions.

This section outlines various plans and tools used to enhance food and nutrition security, including territorial plans, nutrition education programs, recommended energy and nutrient intake levels, and dietary guidelines for the Colombian population. It also emphasizes the importance of promoting breastfeeding and providing education on its benefits. These strategies are designed to address the diverse nutritional needs of different population groups and promote healthy lifestyles.

The guide provides detailed information on assessing and monitoring the nutritional and health status of individuals, including methods for identifying malnutrition. It covers both undernutrition and overnutrition, as well as strategies for prevention and treatment. The section also describes the surveillance and monitoring system used by ICBF to track nutritional outcomes and ensure the effectiveness of interventions. It explains how this system operates within different care modalities and emphasizes the importance of monitoring health promotion and maintenance activities.

This section focuses on food supplementation programs, ensuring the quality and safety of food provided to vulnerable populations. It outlines the basic hygiene conditions required for food preparation and manufacturing, adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). The guide emphasizes the importance of providing safe and nutritious food to improve the health and well-being of beneficiaries.

The guide highlights the importance of incorporating foods of high nutritional value (AAVN) into the diets of vulnerable populations. These foods are rich in essential nutrients and contribute to improved health outcomes. The section provides information on identifying and utilizing AAVN in ICBF programs.

The guide emphasizes the importance of a differential approach, recognizing the diverse needs and circumstances of different population groups. This includes tailoring nutrition interventions to address the specific challenges faced by indigenous communities, Afro-Colombians, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. The differential approach ensures that nutrition programs are culturally sensitive and effective in reaching those who need them most.

This section provides a list of reference documents, including general and specific bibliographies, that support the information presented in the guide. These resources offer additional information and guidance for implementing nutrition programs and addressing food security challenges.