Global Advocacy Resources for
WHO/WHA Food Fortification
Resolution

The resolution, ‘Accelerating efforts for preventing micronutrient deficiencies, spina bifida, and other neural tube defects through safe and effective food fortification‘, was passed by the World Health Organization in May 2023.

Introduced by the Government of Colombia, it calls on all member states to institute and strengthen large scale food fortification (LSFF) in line with WHO recommendations. 

The Forum, Global Alliance for the Prevention of Spina Bifida F, GAIN, along with 50 nutrition, child health, and disability rights organizations supported a statement for the resolution to strengthen and expand large-scale food fortification, which was endorsed by the WHO Executive Board during its meeting in February. 

This resolution was an important development in public health and nutrition advocacy. It is a step in addressing and preventing micronutrient deficiencies globally such as spina bifida caused by folic acid, and other deficiencies of essential micronutrients (iron, zinc, vitamin A, and iodine).