Devex: Fortifying a sustainable future
Chris Elias, president of the Global Development Program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

“…We will not be able to achieve the [Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)] if we do not address the hidden hunger that is an underlying cause of nearly half of child deaths each year: malnutrition, including undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. … Fighting this hidden hunger may seem daunting, but we already have one powerful proven tool: food fortification. … Last month, I joined leaders at the Global Summit on Food Fortification in Arusha, Tanzania, which mapped out an action plan for fortification’s contribution to the SDGs. The evidence shows three keys to expanding food fortification and reaching those most vulnerable to malnutrition: 1. Countries with the highest burden of micronutrient deficiencies need to establish clear regulatory frameworks for food fortification. … 2. Food producers must be part of the conversation about standards. … 3. Development partners need to increase support for countries developing food fortification programs to help ensure that programs benefit everyone, including the poor…” (11/5).