NAIROBI, Kenya — The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening food fortification programmes as part of efforts to tackle malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies.
The commitment was announced during a High-Level Panel and launch of the Learning Exchange Platform on Large-Scale Food Fortification (LSFF) held alongside the 79th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
Kenya highlights progress in food fortification
Speaking during the forum, Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, said Kenya has made significant progress in strengthening compliance in maize and wheat fortification.
She attributed the progress to strong government leadership, collaboration with industry players, and investments in quality assurance systems.
According to the Principal Secretary, the initiatives are helping address malnutrition and deficiencies in essential micronutrients.
Focus on regional standards
Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Muthoni, said Kenya is now focusing on advancing harmonised regional food fortification standards to improve access to safe and nutritious foods across Africa.
She added that regional and global partnerships remain critical in accelerating nutrition outcomes and strengthening food systems.
“Kenya continues to promote regional and global collaboration, knowledge exchange, and shared learning,” she said.
Global health leaders attend forum
The forum brought together health officials and representatives from several countries, including Indonesia, Egypt, Mozambique, and Sri Lanka.
Participants shared lessons and best practices on scaling up large-scale food fortification programmes.
The discussions focused on improving nutrition, strengthening public health systems, and enhancing global health outcomes through fortified food initiatives.
Tackling malnutrition
Food fortification involves adding essential vitamins and minerals to commonly consumed foods such as flour, salt, and cooking oil.
Kenya has increasingly invested in nutrition-focused policies as part of wider efforts to improve public health and reduce disease burdens linked to poor nutrition.
