Accra, May 9, GNA – ‘Fortify’, a US-based organisation that works to reduce iron deficiency anaemia with health foods, has partnered Nigeria-based ‘Wellbeing Foundation Africa’ (WBFA), to address iron deficiency, the major underlying cause of maternal deaths during childbirth in developing countries.
Iron deficiency, according to a statement signed by Mr Dan Conley, the Board Chair of Fortify Principal, Beacon Communications, and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, is the most widespread public health disorder in the world, affecting at least one-third of the global population.
It explained that in developing countries, the main cause of iron deficiency is low iron bioavailability of the diet, the statement said, adding that premenopausal women were particularly vulnerable due to iron loss in menstrual blood and the increased iron demands of pregnancy.
It noted that the overall global prevalence of anaemia is over 40 per cent among two highly vulnerable populations: women aged 15–49 years and children under the age of five, while it exceeds 50 per cent in developing countries.
Iron deficiency could lead to premature labour, intrauterine growth retardation, low birth weight of the infant, birth asphyxia, neonatal anaemia, and death (of both mother and child) and the consequences of iron deficiency not only affect personal health but the economic health of communities and countries as well, the statement explained.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), food-based approaches represent the most desirable and sustainable method of preventing micronutrient malnutrition.
In the absence of adequate interventions, the statement said, Fortify works to drive innovation in the private sector, guiding companies to add iron to everyday meals through the fortification of simple, healthy foods consumed by most families.
Fortify with leading food producers have, therefore, ensured the monthly production of 20 million sachets of iron-fortified tomato paste varieties in Nigeria alone, a historic milestone in food fortification as it is the first-ever, iron-fortified tomato-based product.
Madam Nancy Martin, the Founder of Fortify according to the statement said: “Joining forces with the Wellbeing Foundation at this juncture could not be better timing. Now that iron-fortified tomato mixes are reaching even the most rural villages, we can jointly work to help educate health care workers and women about the importance of adding iron to their diets.”
“Mrs Saraki has been a leading voice in maternal, newborn and child health in Nigeria since serving as the First Lady of Kwara State in 2003, and knows how to reach and educate stakeholders at every level in Nigeria.
She is also a recognised global voice for women, newborns and children, advising multiple organisations including the World Health Organization and the United Nations. We are especially pleased that Mrs Saraki has recently accepted our invitation to serve as a member of Fortify’s Advisory Council.”
Mrs Saraki, according to the statement said: “When we began discussions with Fortify, I was struck by how elegant, yet practical a solution this is for iron deficiency anaemia in that tomato paste is already built into the food supply and is a big part of meals every African eats.”
“According to the WHO, the benefits of ending iron deficiency anaemia are substantial as timely treatment can restore personal health and raise national productivity levels by as much as 20 per cent,” she added.
She explained that the initiative would engage First Ladies and policymakers across Africa in accelerated efforts to eradicate iron deficiency.
“I know how much impact First Ladies in Africa can bring to women, families and communities, particularly in improving maternal health outcomes due to their highly visible advocacy. Together, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa and Fortify are determined to end the devastating effects of iron deficiency on women and their families,” she added.
GNA