During the first few years of a child’s life, more than one million new neural connections form every second, according to child development experts as Harvard University. One million. Every second. That’s serious brainpower, and it sets the stage for success later in life, but only when fueled by optimal nutrition.

Not all children start life with a strong nutritional foundation, and the long-term consequences can be devastating. This is a key reason why I’m particularly fond of the Nutrilite Power of 5 Campaign, an Amway program that continues to reach around the globe in a very big way to help fight child malnutrition.

What is the Power of 5?

The Nutrilite Power of 5 Campaign is a powerful collaboration, five years in the making, of people and organizations from all over the world with one goal: To prevent childhood malnutrition.

According to the World Health Organization, over three million children die each year from malnutrition, and many who survive often struggle with health and developmental problems for the rest of their lives. The Power of 5 Campaign tackles these issues in three important ways. First, it builds awareness of childhood malnutrition. Second, the campaign addresses the critical need for proper nutrition during the first five years of life. Finally, it allows a way for everyone to get involved to help ensure young children around the world get the nutrition they need early enough in life so they can reach their full potential.

To me, the Power of 5 Campaign is a simple idea with profound results. I am so proud that Amway and the Nutrilite™ brand play a key role.

One supplement, so many benefits

Through the Power of 5 Campaign, children not only receive nutritional education and regular health assessment, but also Nutrilite™ Little Bits, a supplement specially formulated by Nutrilite scientists to help meet the needs of undernourished children aged six months to five years.

Each serving is a tea-size sachet of powder with 15 essential vitamins and minerals. These essential nutrients are designed to be taken daily with regular meals to help children increase energy levels, support learning abilities, achieve and maintain a healthy body weight, and generally provide nutrients necessary for children to live happy, healthy lives.

Benefiting even more kids

Thanks to the energy and positivity of the Power of 5 Campaign, we have seen rewards beyond all expectations.

In 2015, Amway set a goal to provide nutrition to more than 30,000 malnourished children by distributing more than five million servings of Nutrilite™ Little Bits. It was part of a commitment to support the United Nations’ “Every Woman, Every Child” initiative to end preventable deaths, including those from malnutrition. I am happy to report we exceeded this goal thanks to the efforts of so many committed people.

On the heels of this success, Amway set a new goal in 2016: To raise funds and awareness to provide nutrition to more than 500,000 malnourished children by the end of 2019.

Today, Amway currently has nutrition programs in 23 countries (with Nutrilite™ Little Bits in 15 countries) and has partnered with 30 organizations around the world.

Nourishing future generations

According to Jeff Terry, global head of corporate social responsibility at Amway Corporation, “The vision for the Power of 5 was started by Nutrilite founder Carl Rehnborg and we are privileged to bring his vision to life and help prevent childhood malnutrition around the world.”

I know my father would be so happy to see the success of the Power of 5 Campaign. During his retirement years in the late 1960s, he had an idea for a product to address malnutrition. He called it Nutrimana. It was an all-natural, plant-based foodstuff that went beyond vitamins and minerals to include protein and other nutrients that could sustain the human race. Nutrimana was the future, he thought, but at the time, it was just too expensive to commercialize.

In his later years, he kept coming back to this idea, each time with increasing fervor and more determination. To my father, a solution to global malnutrition, including childhood malnutrition, was not only possible, it was essential.

The Power of 5 Campaign reminds me of the Ethiopian proverb, “When spider webs unite they can tie up a lion.” I completely agree: When we work together, we can accomplish much.

Here’s to healthy children!