NFA commends President Sirleaf
The National Food Fortification Alliance (NFA) has commended President Ellen Johnson – Sirleaf for signing into law the Liberia regulation for wheat flour fortification.A press release issued Thursday, 7 September says the regulation that was signed is intended to make both domestic and import products to be fortified with nutrient types and level that match Liberia adopted fortification standards.
The NFA release says survey shows that 59% of children 12-59 months, 38% of pregnant women, and 33% of non pregnant women are anemic; and – 13% of children are Vitamin “A” deficiency; -33% of children 6-35 months are stunned, 905 wasted and 225 underweight.
According to the release, the 2009 vitamin and mineral deficiency report estimate that zinc deficiency impacts 59.2% of the population and the march of dimes foundation estimates that folic acid deficiency contributes to an estimate 482 neutral tube defects annually.
The NFA indicates further that consumed staple food products have been deemed one of the most cost effective means of addressing this form of malnutrition that exist today as a food-base approach.
The institution says fortified staple food contain the amount of micronutrients necessary for a well balanced diet and are widely consumed and distributed throughout the population.
It says a large number of government ministries, importers, local industries, international non- governmental organization and the general public are involved in the fortification program ensuring a holistic and sustainable approach to combating micronutrient.–Press Release.
