Chapter 3 in Food Fortification in a Globalized World, 1st Edition edited by M.G.Venkatesh Mannar and Richard Hurrell.
Food fortification is a cost-effective strategy for addressing demonstrated nutrient deficiencies in the contexts of a combination of marginal diets, vulnerable population segments, and other drivers of deficiency. In this chapter, we present and discuss issues pertaining to the development of national strategies to prevent and control micronutrient deficiency, with specific focus on the role of food fortification.
We posit first that coordination of approaches for micronutrient deficiency control should be country-owned and country-led and not externally driven. Second, we suggest that investments be made to strengthen the generation and use of data and evidence to ensure that:
- healthy, diverse diets are promoted as the ultimate goal, but recognising the difficulties associated with achieving nutrient adequacy;
- coverage and equitable benefits are achieved while minimising risk of harm; and
- strategies are coordinated in a sustainable fashion with an emphasis on results, transparency and accountability.