Anastasia Smith, DrPH, MPH is a Clinical Research Manager of the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). She is a recent graduate of the School of Public Health at UAB. Dr. Smith's work is centered on preventing spina bifida through salt fortification with folic acid and iodine. Her work focuses on assessing the effectiveness of using salt as a staple for food fortification with folic acid, potentially benefiting vulnerable populations worldwide without access to enriched grains. Her career goal is to advocate for folic acid fortification as a safe and effective global public health strategy. Her current work is assessing the feasibility and effectiveness of double-fortified salt in Lusaka, Zambia.
Dr. Smith actively participated in the development of the WHA76.19 resolution in 2022-2023 as a member of the Global Alliance for Prevention of Spina Bifida. She had the privilege of contributing to the resolution's creation and witnessing the diplomatic collaboration involving the Ministry of Health of Colombia, the WHO liaison, and the civil/scientific community. Dr. Smith has also actively participated in the development of three side events held at the World Health Assembly in 2022, 2023 and 2025, raising awareness about the need for this resolution to prevent health conditions like spina bifida, which result from micronutrient deficiencies, particularly folate.