Improving nutrition
Uzbekistan - Fortification of Wheat Flour
To decrease the prevalence of anemia in the Republic of Uzbekistan through flour fortification, and to ensure the sustained, universal fortification of flour through the creation of an appropriate institutional framework. The specific objective is to reduce anemia among women of childbearing age by 20%, from 60% to 48% over five years.
Target group
Women of reproductive age - 6.7 million, of which those pregnant - 0.46 million (urban - 37.1% and rural 62.9%); and children at age of 6-59 months - 2.28 million (urban - 30.7%, rural - 69.3%)
Food vehicle
Wheat flour
Outputs
This project focuses on the strengthening of the existing system of flour fortification and expanding coverage of vulnerable populations.
Coverage
The project aims to reach about 30% of overall population by Year 3, approximately 8 million people, all of whom at risk of iron deficiency anemia. [Iron deficiency anemia affects 60% of women of reproductive age, and 80% of pre-school children.]
Date
01/01/2005
Description
This project is an integral part of the national food fortification program. The main objective is to decrease the prevalence of anaemia through iron fortification of flour: specifically, a decrease in anaemia among pregnant women from 70% to 50% between 2003 and 2008. The project will support the procurement and supply of premix and the creation of new fortification capacity through the supply of dosifiers. Industrial quality assurance will be supported through the procurement, supply and installation of laboratory equipment and appropriate training. Support will also be given to the legislative process for the development of regulations and standards and, potentially, new laws, coupled with stengthening testing, monitoring and enforcement activities. The communication component aims to develop an environment conducive to the selling and consumption of fortified wheat flour, targetting a variety of audiences. A further component is impact evaluation, wherever possible using data collected through existing data collection networks.
Key achievements
* Grant agreement signed March 2005
* Media launch held in Tashkent on 29 July 2005
* 8 premix manufacturers contracted with premix production started
* Feeder installation and supply of premix to 20 mills
* Wheat flour market study completed Monitoring and evaluation plan completed.
In-Country project advisor
This project is administered in partnership with the World Bank.
