Building the Foundation for Eswatini’s National Fortification Strategy
In 2023, FFI and the Government of Eswatini embarked on a pivotal mission to address micronutrient deficiencies that have long challenged the nation’s health. Vitamin A, iron, and zinc deficiencies are significant challenges for Eswatini’s population, particularly for women and children, leading to health consequences such as blindness, poor pregnancy outcomes, and increased risk of infections.
FFI’s work began with a comprehensive landscape analysis of large-scale food fortification. By January 2024, the findings had been validated and shared with the government and key partners. The findings revealed that while the country has a wheat flour miller voluntarily fortifying its products using South African standards, maize flour fortification remains an untapped opportunity, mainly through school feeding programs supported by the World Food Programme. Additionally, Eswatini does not have clear fortification standards for imported edible oils and salt.
A lack of reliable, recent data on anemia and other micronutrient deficiencies further highlights the urgency of this work. Eswatini’s last micronutrient survey was conducted in 2007, making its findings outdated. To fill this gap, FFI is providing the government and other partners with technical assistance as they conduct a new micronutrient survey, which is currently underway with financial support from the World Bank.
FFI’s efforts have set the stage for transformative action. The findings of the landscape analysis and micronutrient survey will provide the government with a roadmap to establish mandatory fortification standards. Integrating compliance monitoring into existing structures and strengthening capacity will ensure a sustainable impact. This project marks the beginning of a healthier, fortified future for Eswatini.
Header Image: Photo by Jessy Rone, licensed as CC BY-ND 2.0
