November 2010 Program

The Use of Spirulina Microalgae as a Means to Combat Global Malnutrition

The Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Microalgae Spirulina Against Malnutrition IIMSAM) is a United Nations organization focused on using Spirulina microalgae and biotechnology to eradicate global hunger and malnutrition, achieve food security, and manifest the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. IIMSAM’s primary objective is to realize a world free of malnutrition and hunger through Spirulina, which the United Nations World Food Conference has deemed as the best food for the future.
Meeting at Case Western Reserve	The linkage between nutrition and human development is well recognized and so is the significance of quality nutrition in public health. Malnutrition is by far the most important single cause of illness and death globally with severe negative impacts on the least developed countries. The costs of malnutrition in terms of lost development and productivity are enormous. Even mild to moderate alnourishment in the womb impacts and reduces the future cognitive development of a child. It has serious impacts on groups that have traditionally been marginalized, such as women and children. Nutrition plays a crucial role in the propagation of poverty from one generation to the next and must be tackled on an immediate priority basis.
IIMSAM envisions raising the global level of nutrition and improving public health through Spirulina, which is a microalgae abundant in essential proteins, minerals, and vitamins that can be easily assimilated by the human body. Spirulina’s preventive and curative aspects; as well as its availability, accessibility, and affordability; make it an important policy tool of tremendous practical significance to enriching human capital across the globe, especially in developing countries.

Presented by Charles L. Roe, Ph.D.
Chief Technology Officer and Cofounder
Algisys, LLC
Dr. Roe is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Cofounder of Algisys, a biotechnology company focused on using algae to produce nutritional oils and high protein additives for the supplement, food & beverage, animal feed, and pharmaceutical industries. Prior to Algisys, he cofounded and served as the CTO for Biofuel Producers of America (dba Algae Producers, Inc.), which is a diversified algae and biofuels company.