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Registration
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Invitation to Register and Join the IDPAS Network
The United Nations University (UNU) and the International Nutrition Foundation (INF) have actively supported international work on micronutrients for almost 20 years. The INF is introducing the Iron Deficiency Project Advisory Service (IDPAS) network, a new proactive approach to technical information exchange.. The IDPAS is set up to assist and support officials, researchers and program managers in developing countries and countries in transition that are working to prevent and control iron deficiency anemia and improve iron nutrition.
IDPAS complements and expands the support available from other organizations to projects and individuals working on iron deficiency and anemia. The IDPAS network uses all available communication channels to reach out and learn about the efforts of such projects and people and to bring them specific information on technical issues, questions and problems that constrain their work. IDPAS develops a two-way flow of information with projects, experts and researchers. It develops and maintains technical dialogues that can provide ongoing information support and information tailored to the specific constraints and needs of individual projects and activities.
IDPAS quickly responds to requests for information from registered persons on a wide range of technical issues and questions. The IDPAS office at the Tufts University School of Nutrition Science and Policy, maintains a comprehensive, up-to-date collection of over 600 published and unpublished articles, research reports, outcomes of technical meetings and consultations and global and regional technical guidelines. Beyond this collection, IDPAS can rapidly search major medical, industrial and technical databases and library collections for information that addresses questions and information requests from those working in the field. In addition, IDPAS has contacts with and draws upon the knowledge of recognized experts and researchers working on iron nutrition and advising programs in each region of the world. IDPAS also uses links to over 30 international organizations that provide technical assistance and other support for in this area.
In an effort to be “proactive,” IDPAS staff also contacts registered persons and projects to learn how projects are progressing, if they have information needs and to gather information and lessons learned that could be usefully shared. E-mail, fax, telephone, mail and courier are used to make and maintain contacts and deliver requested information.
IDPAS strives to quickly answer information requests and asks that questions and queries be as specific as possible. The service gives priority to those who need information to help remove a specific constraint on the development, implementation or improvement of projects and programs to improve iron nutrition. Initial responses to information requests can be expected in 48 hours or two working days after the request is received. Each response attempts to fully address the question or problem asked, but follow up questions, if needed are welcome. IDPAS provides these services free of charge.
In cases where requested information can be provided better by other experts or organizations, IDPAS contacts them and asks that they help. In such cases, IDPAS does try and follow up to assure that the response provided fulfills the need.
Initial progress for this activity depends on identifying and contacting those who need these information services. The INF needs help from other organizations to help identify and register projects and individuals in developing countries and countries in transition. You can help IDPAS by spreading the word and by assuring that all those who can most benefit learn about this service are registered. IDPAS also asks permission of those registered to publish their professional contact information on this webpage. No information will be published without the concent of the registered user.
Please register and help see that the information provided here reaches those can benefit from IDPAS service.
IDPAS success will depend on the extent the delivery of useful information and the extent to which this information is actually used to support advocacy, assessment, intervention planning, activities and research aimed at accelerating and improving efforts to reduce iron deficiency among vulnerable population groups.
 Iron Deficiency Project Advisory Service International Nutrition Foundation Web site: http://www.micronutrient.org/IDPAS Email: idpas@inffoundation.org Phone (1-617) 636-3770 Fax: (1-617) 636-3781 Project Office: 150 Harrison Street, Boston, MA, 02111 Gerald J. & Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University |