Awarded the 7th BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Development Cooperation, Kathy Spahn, Director of Helen Keller International, explains in this interview how the organization works to combat preventable blindness and malnutrition in vulnerable communities around the world. Spahn details how evidence-based interventions—such as vitamin A supplementation, maternal and child nutrition programs, and the strengthening of local health systems—have led to sustainable improvements in the health of millions of people. She also reflects on the importance of addressing structural inequalities, promoting health education, and fostering international partnerships that guarantee equitable access to basic services. Her testimony underscores the crucial role of cooperation in advancing toward more humane and inclusive development.
The BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in the
Awarded the 7th BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Development Cooperation, Kathy Spahn, Director of Helen Keller International, explains in this interview how the organization works to combat preventable blindness and malnutrition in vulnerable communities around the world. Spahn details how evidence-based interventions—such as vitamin A supplementation, maternal and child nutrition programs, and the strengthening of local health systems—have led to sustainable improvements in the health of millions of people. She also reflects on the importance of addressing structural inequalities, promoting health education, and fostering international partnerships that guarantee equitable access to basic services. Her testimony underscores the crucial role of cooperation in advancing toward more humane and inclusive development.
The BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in the Development Cooperation category goes in this seventh edition to American NGO Helen Keller International (HKI) for agricultural programs that help families and villages to raise their own nutritious foods.
00:00 Introduction
00:05 How and why did Helen Keller International shift its activities and programs from a focus on blindness to working in the fight against malnutrition?
00:52 The jury highlights your strategy based on the Homestead Food Production program. Could you explain what this strategy involves?
01:35 What difficulties have you encountered in implementing your programs, and how have they been addressed? The nominator mentioned the case of Nepal, where children were not being given eggs.
02:25 Which results are you most proud of?
03:21 What are your next projects?
