Food fortification alliance launched to tackle hidden hunger

Bangladesh has launched a multi-stakeholder alliance to strengthen food fortification and tackle micronutrient deficiencies, commonly known as hidden hunger, which continue to affect millions of people across the country.

The Fortification Alliance Bangladesh (FAB) was officially launched at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in Dhaka on October 28, bringing together government institutions, United Nations agencies, development partners, academics, civil society organisations and private-sector representatives.

Despite progress in reducing malnutrition over the past decades, deficiencies in essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, vitamins A and B12, folate and iodine remain a concern, particularly among women and children.

Insufficient intake of these nutrients can affect children’s growth, learning and immunity, while also harming the health, productivity and well-being of adults.

An estimated 25.6 million people in Bangladesh cannot afford a nutritious and diversified diet. Although many households consume enough calories, their diets often lack essential vitamins and minerals.

Around 16 million people face acute food insecurity, while an estimated 1.6 million children are expected to require treatment for acute malnutrition in 2026, according to the information provided at the launch.

Food fortification has been identified as a cost-effective way to improve nutrition among large sections of the population.

Bangladesh has already introduced several fortification initiatives, including Universal Salt Iodisation, which has helped reduce iodine deficiency disorders.

Vitamin A fortification of edible oil is also an established intervention, while fortified rice and wheat flour have been prioritised to deliver essential nutrients to wider populations.

The new alliance aims to strengthen coordination among stakeholders and support the government’s national food fortification priorities.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) will chair the alliance, while the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) will serve as co-chair.

Its members include government institutions, UN agencies such as UNICEF and the World Health Organization, and development organisations including Helen Keller Intl, Nutrition International, TechnoServe and icddr,b. Academic institutions, civil society organisations and private-sector representatives are also part of the platform.

The alliance will work to strengthen policy implementation, improve regulatory oversight, support food industry compliance and enhance quality assurance systems. It also aims to expand access to safe, affordable and quality-assured fortified foods, particularly for vulnerable communities.

FAB will support relevant ministries and government agencies in developing and implementing legislative and regulatory frameworks to strengthen food fortification programmes nationwide.

Speaking as the chief guest at the launch, Food Minister Afroza Khanam, MP, stressed the need for stronger cooperation among government institutions, development partners, food producers and other stakeholders.

She emphasised that fortified foods must meet established quality and safety standards and reach the communities that need them most. She also highlighted coordinated efforts to improve access to safe, nutritious and fortified foods, particularly for vulnerable populations.

State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, MP, attended the ceremony.

Representatives from the Ministries of Health and Family Welfare, Food and Industries, Bangladesh Food Safety Authority, Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation, Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution and the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection were also present.

Development partners, UN agencies, academics, civil society representatives, food industry leaders and media members attended the event.

The alliance will also focus on strengthening public-private partnerships, generating evidence for policies and programmes, improving monitoring systems and raising public awareness about fortified foods.

It aims to promote the inclusion of food fortification in national nutrition and development policies in line with international standards and practices.