Food Fortification Takes Center Stage at the World Health Assembly

Food Fortification a Major Focus at the World Health Assembly

Geneva, Switzerland, May 22, 2023 (VSNewsNetwork.com) - Micronutrient deficiencies and Large Scale Food Fortification (LSFF) will be in the spotlight at a side event during the 76th World Health Assembly (WHA) on Tuesday, May 23, 2023. Hosted by the governments of Colombia, Ecuador, and Malaysia, the event aims to address the urgent need for global food fortification programs to combat hidden hunger. The public can stay updated on the Food Fortification resolution by visiting the event page.

Micronutrient deficiencies affect half of all preschool-aged children and two-thirds of women of reproductive age worldwide, leading to various health issues. The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, alongside its partners, will discuss the resolution calling on WHA Member States to scale up food fortification programs, especially in countries with prevalent micronutrient deficiencies.

Lawrence Haddad, executive director of the GAIN, emphasized the importance of food fortification, stating, "More investment in food fortification can help to provide an important nutrition safety net as we seek to build nutritious food systems that are more resilient in the face of global shocks."

Fortifying staple foods has been identified as a cost-effective and sustainable strategy to improve public health and combat hidden hunger. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that fortification programs can enhance micronutrient status and reduce associated diseases, particularly in low- and middle-income countries with limited access to diverse diets and supplements. Around 84 countries could benefit from establishing new mandatory fortification programs, while existing ones need to be strengthened to reach more people effectively.

"The World Health Assembly's resolution on food fortification aligns with our efforts to combat rising levels of malnutrition in African Union countries," said Ambassador Josefa Sacko, Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture at the African Union and member of the Scaling Up Nutrition Movement's Lead Group.

With over 70 global, regional, and national organizations endorsing the resolution, the proposed WHA resolution has garnered support from the health policy, disability rights, and nutrition sectors. Dr. Francesco Branca, Director of the Department of Nutrition and Food Safety at WHO, emphasized the need for effective food fortification programs involving governments, civil society, and the private sector.

The side event will feature prominent speakers, including Lawrence Haddad, representatives from member states, food fortification experts, and stakeholders from disability rights, child rights, and health policy communities. Registration for the event is open on the event page.

To learn more about the importance of food fortification and its impact on global health, visit the website of The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition: www.gainhealth.org

Source: The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition via Newswire