Investigation of Sustainability Challenges Faced by Food Fortification Programs Targeting Pregnant Women and Children in Developing Countries

Abstract

Aim: This review aimed to investigate the sustainability challenges faced by food fortification programs targeting pregnant women and children in developing countries.  

Methods: This study employed desktop review of literature. The data sources for this study included academic databases such as Google Scholar as well as reports and policy documents from relevant international organizations such as UNICEF, WHO, and FAO. The search strategy involved a combination of keywords and phrases related to food fortification programs, sustainability, pregnant women, and children.

Results: The study found that one of the biggest challenges facing food fortification programs is funding. Many developing countries lack the resources and infrastructure necessary to establish and maintain food fortification programs. Another challenge facing sustainability of food fortification programs in developing countries is supply chain challenges. Supply chain challenges include issues related to procurement of premixes, transportation and storage of fortified foods, distribution to remote areas, and monitoring and quality control of the fortification process. The study also showed that inadequate enforcement of fortification standards and insufficient monitoring are common challenges facing food fortification programs in developing countries. The study also identified consumer acceptance as challenge facing food fortification programs in developing countries.

Conclusion: The study provides valuable insights into the sustainability of food fortification programs and highlights the need for continued efforts to address the challenges faced by these programs to ensure their long-term success.

Recommendations: To overcome funding challenge, governments, donors, and other stakeholders must work together to ensure that adequate and sustainable funding is available for food fortification programs to continue. To overcome supply chain challenges, supply chain actors must ensure that fortified foods are available and accessible to vulnerable populations.