PROGRAM OF THE INTERDEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEE ON NUTRITION FOR NATIONAL DEFENSE

Abstract

As a part of the Mutual Defense Assistance Program, the United States has launched a nutrition program for the purpose of assisting the developing countries of Asia and Africa in improving the health of their people. In most of these countries, the primary concern of an estimated 90% of the people is survival, dependent upon food and shelter. Food becomes the so-called first line of defense. Although the nutrition program is directed toward the armed forces of the host country, a nutritional assessment of the new recruits gives an appraisal of one segment of the civilian population and the food, dietary, and agricultural studies reflect the habits, customs, and resources of the entire population. The countries included in this program are keenly aware of the seriousness of their nutritional problems and have indicated a desire for assistance and guidance in developing national nutrition programs. However, since comprehensive surveys were not