Improving nutrition
Georgia - National Wheat Flour Fortification
The goal of the program is to reduce micronutrient deficiency among the population of Georgia by 20% through regular and increased consumption of wheat flour fortified with iron and folic acid. According to the National Centre of Nutrition of Georgia about 43% of women of reproductive age and 34% of children suffer from iron deficiency anemia. The project also intends to decrease the occurrence of neural tube defects among newborns.
Target group
Children aged 3-15 years - Women of reproductive age
Fortificant
Food vehicle
Wheat flour
Outputs
The major expected results include: 18 mills licensed and trained, producing >50% of Georgian flour market Production of 480,000 MT fortified flour over three years Procurement of premix and microfeeders Mandatory wheat fortification law established and enacted System of quality assurance and quality control established Communication and social marketing campaigns developed and implemented
Coverage
The aim of the project is that by the third year 50% (or 1,030,000 people) of the “at risk population” will consume fortified flour/year. The population at risk includes women of reproductive age and children 3-15 years old. Overall, the project intends that by the third year half of the Georgian population (or 2,290 000 people)will consume fortified wheat flour
Date
10/01/2006
Description
The wheat flour fortification project will be managed by the multi-sectoral National Fortification Alliance (NFA) with members from the public and private sector as well as international and local organizations. The local NGO ACTS Georgia has been identified as Executing Agency. The project has four key areas, including production, legislation, quality control and assurance, and communication and social marketing. Over a three year project period, 18 large and medium sized flour mills will be selected and upgraded with mircofeeders and premix (fortificant). Millers will receive comprehensive training in production as well as quality control and assurance. Within the project time frame, 50% of the flour market in Georgia will be fortified. Activities towards a mandatory wheat flour fortification law will be conducted. A quality assurance and control protocol/ system will be developed and implemented. Communication and social marketing campaigns will be organized to create consumer awareness and demand for fortified wheat flour.
Agencies
In-Country project advisor
Mr. Giorgi Gegelashvili (MP)
