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Fortifying our Future: Coming together to support the World Health Assembly Resolution on Food Fortification

To accelerate efforts to reduce the burden of micronutrient deficiencies, advocates worldwide have advocated for access to micronutrients for the next generation to develop and thrive. The proposed World Health Assembly (WHA) resolution, “Accelerating efforts for preventing micronutrient deficiencies and their consequences, including spina bifida and other neural tube defects through safe and effective food fortification” represents an important step in the right direction. Supported by more than 70 nutrition, healthcare, and disability rights organizations, the proposed resolution passed the World Health Organization’s Executive Board without objection in February 2023.

The latest evidence published in The Lancet Global Health estimates that 1 in 2 preschool-aged children and 2 in 3 women of reproductive age worldwide have at least one micronutrient deficiency. LSFF adds essential vitamins and minerals to widely consumed items and is a key intervention to address micronutrient deficiencies. LSFF has been recognized as highly successful nutrition intervention, but progress has been slow.

This event will be a 90-minute virtual conference, structured around three 15-minute conversations in an informal Q&A format between the moderator, Shawn Baker, (Chief of Programs, Helen Keller International; Vice-Chair, Board of Directors, MNF), and guests including:
- Haymanot Asfaw, Miller, Ethiopia
- Papatya Alkan Genca, Board Member, Turkish Spina Bifida Association
- Dr. Kemel Ghotme, pediatric neurosurgeon, researcher, and advocate
- Luz Maria De-Regil, Head, Multisectoral Action in Food Systems, WHO
- Penjani Mkambula, Global Programme Lead for Food Fortification, GAIN
- Saskia Osendarp, Executive Director, MNF
- Sylvia Roozen, Secretary General, IFSBH
- Inoshi Sharma, Executive Director, Food Safety & Standards
- More speakers announced soon!

Apr 4, 2023 08:30 AM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)