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A nutrition textbook written with the help of many Helen Keller experts has been “highly commended” in the public health category of the British Medical Association Book Awards. The award was announced on September 7, 2016, at BMA House in London at an annual ceremony recognizing excellence in medical publishing.

Published by the Oxford University Press in October 2015, the third edition of Nutrition for Developing Countries draws on the diverse experiences of nutritionists working around the world to educate health and nutrition workers, trainers and students.

“The role that Helen Keller played in developing this remarkable book showcases our ability to apply science and evidence to program work to unearth insights that both improve the interventions themselves and the lives of the people we serve,” says President & CEO Kathy Spahn. “The care that our own Victoria Quinn and the other editors put into translating their experience and knowledge into readable and applicable learnings is truly commendable.”

Helen Keller International’s expertise in nutrition on issues such as managing acute malnutrition, vitamin A deficiency, young child feeding and homestead food production is readily evident, as half of the experts who author chapters have current or past affiliations with the organization. Nutritionist and Senior Vice President of Programs Victoria Quinn is one of the book’s editors and also pens the chapter on understanding malnutrition. Regional Coordinator for CMAM El Hadji Issakha Diop—a nutritionist involved in researching, developing and expanding Helen Keller’s Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition program—contributes to the chapter on severe acute malnutrition. Vice President of Asia-Pacific Nancy Haselow, a public health professional who helped pioneer the integration of vitamin A supplementation into community-directed treatment of onchocerciasis with Ivermectin in Cameroon, contributes to the chapter on vitamin A deficiency.

Much has been learned in recent years about the causes and consequences of malnutrition. Among other changes to past editions, the book discusses how to reach key target groups like women and girls at critical times given the significance of the first 1,000 days of a young child’s life, the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases like diabetes, and sustainable ways to improve household diets.

“The book is an exceptional collaboration that combines intimate understanding of the challenges inherent in tackling malnutrition with practical applications for future difference makers,” said Spahn. “It’s a must read.”

Read a synopsis of the book.