OVERVIEW

The Afghanistan Food Fortification Project seeks to establish a sustainable fortification program that controls and prevents micronutrient deficiencies, which in turn strengthens immune capacity, helps prevent illnesses, improves recovery and disease outcomes, reduces negative birth outcomes for women and birth defects, and improves child survival. This project addresses micronutrient inadequacies (i.e., insufficient intake) and improves health outcomes through food fortification, such as essential vitamins and minerals in wheat flour, edible oils and salt.

ACTIVITIES

• Establish and strengthen the regulatory framework for food fortification, including the harmonization of fortified wheat flour standards with those of neighboring countries
• Strengthen the quality control system of the involved industries
• Strengthen public sector enforcement mechanisms
• Devise and test a practical and feasible system to monitor coverage, consumption and potential impact of fortified foods

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Achieved a groundbreaking cross-border gathering of traders and key stakeholders, including trader associations and representatives from relevant ministries from Afghanistan and Pakistan, held in Islamabad in May 2016. Participants acknowledged Afghans’ demand for fortified foods and agreed to work together to ensure this demand and quality standards are met
• Finalized draft legislation mandating fortified wheat flour and edible oils, currently under review in the legislative process
• Organized and influenced several high-level advocacy meetings that led to decisions that are building the food fortification system in Afghanistan and raising awareness among key players