In 2024, FFI partnered with Nutrition International to strengthen wheat flour fortification in the Philippines through the “Bridging the Fortification Gap Project,” part of the QuantEdge Advantage Initiative. Supported by a two-year grant, this collaboration aims to address micronutrient deficiencies in the Philippines by updating the national wheat flour fortification standards, which have been supported by mandatory legislation since 2000, to include folic acid and restrict the allowable forms of iron to those that are most bioavailable
Addressing this gap is crucial as both nutrients are important for improving maternal and child health outcomes. By fortifying with an iron compound that is more readily absorbed by the body, fortification can more effectively prevent iron deficiency anemia and other iron deficiency-related diseases. Folic acid fortification can reduce neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida by up to 78%. In Asia, 14 out of 18 countries with mandatory wheat flour fortification include folic acid, making the Philippines’ adoption of this standard an important step in regional progress toward NTD prevention.
In 2024, FFI advocated for a proposed Governing Board Resolution to update the standards and specify the addition of 2.6 mg/kg of folic acid, as well as the restriction of allowable compounds to only ferrous fumarate and ferrous sulfate. These changes align with World Health Organization guidelines and local wheat flour consumption patterns. Advocacy efforts have focused on engaging influential leaders as well as supporting targeted campaigns to reach women of reproductive age, a population particularly vulnerable to folate deficiencies.
Despite challenges such as delays in government approvals, staffing changes, and limited resources, the project made progress in 2024. FFI strengthened relationships with stakeholders, leveraged civil society support, and coordinated efforts with influential networks. Collaborating with the Spina Bifida Support Group Foundation of the Philippines (SBSGF) has brought in the essential perspective of a local civil society organization that focuses on helping those most impacted by NTDs in the country. The partnership has fostered mutual learning opportunities and capacity building, particularly in relation to advocacy with government and the public.
Collaboration with key stakeholders is central to the initiative. Partners include the Philippines’ Department of Health, the National Nutrition Council, and civil society organizations like SBSGF.
Key achievements to date include supporting the government in planning and implementing key meetings, providing technical assistance, and creating advocacy materials. FFI has also collaborated with partners to coordinate efforts for effective implementation.
Moving forward, FFI remains committed to advocating for government approval of the revised standards and engaging stakeholders to ensure timely and effective implementation of the legislation. By the end of the grant period, FFI and Nutrition International aim to secure approval for the updated fortification standards and launch training and dissemination efforts to ensure compliance and long-term sustainability. This partnership underscores the transformative power of targeted advocacy and collaboration in addressing public health challenges and advancing nutrition security.
Header Photo: Meeting with Food and Nutrition Research Institute and National Nutrition Council. (FFI)
