More than half of the world’s countries recognize the benefits of food fortification, a process that adds essential vitamins and minerals to foods.
But while it has gained momentum, Francesco Branca, director for health and development at the World Health Organization, admits that the quality of fortification remains variable and the vulnerable groups — for which these programs have been designed — are not always reached.
Branca explained that food fortification experts also face a challenge to provide healthy food for all by moving away from diets rich in salt and oil, which are used as vehicles for iodine and vitamin A fortification, respectively.
How can food systems be improved to ensure fortified foods reach the most vulnerable? Watch the clip above to learn more from the WHO official.
Future Fortified is a special online series presented by Devex, in partnership with GAIN, exploring the impact and importance of food fortification to meet global development objectives. Visit the campaign site and join the conversation using #FutureFortified.
About the author
Jacques Jimeno
Jacques is a copy editor at Devex’s news production team. Previously, he worked with the Philippine Department of Tourism and the World Wide Fund for Nature. He is currently taking his master’s degree in communication from the University of the Philippines Diliman.