In contrast to Asia, malnutrition among young children is on the rise in Sub-Saharan Africa. A key millennium development goal (MDG) called for the reduction of underweight prevalence by 50% by the year 2015. Overall, in Africa, prevalence is expected to increase from 24% in 1990 to 27% in 2015. High rates of HIV/AIDS prevalence exacerbate malnutrition. Hence in East Africa, where the HIV/AIDS effect is strong, underweight prevalence is predicted to be 25% higher in 2015 than in 1990.

Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient for human health. Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is widespread among young children in the developing world; globally, 127 million children under six years of age are estimated to be affected. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and India have the highest estimated prevalence rates of sub-clinical vitamin A deficiency. VAD can limit growth, weaken immunity, cause xeropthalmia leading to blindness, and increase mortality.

There are two types of vitamin A available in foods: preformed retinol (vitamin A itself) typically found in animal foods such as eggs, liver, and milk; and provitamin A carotenoids found in plant foods such as dark green leafy vegetables, yellow and orange vegetables and fruits, and orange-fleshed sweetpotato. Β-carotene is the major provitamin A carotenoid, and the dominant carotenoid in orange-fleshed sweetpotato.