When
When18-23 May 2026
Where
Geneva, Switzerland
Summary
At the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA79) in Geneva, Switzerland, FFI joined governments, global health organizations, and development partners to advance efforts to prevent micronutrient deficiencies through large-scale food fortification (LSFF). As part of the Assembly, FFI co-sponsored a side event, Delivering on WHA76.19: First Global Progress Review on Large-Scale Food Fortification, which marked the first global review of progress since the adoption of the World Health Assembly resolution on food fortification in 2023.
The side event brought together Member State representatives, technical experts, civil society organizations, and international partners to highlight progress in implementing large-scale food fortification programs, share lessons learned and innovations, and strengthen collaboration to address hidden hunger. Discussions reinforced the importance of fortification as a safe, evidence-based, and cost-effective strategy to reduce micronutrient deficiencies, prevent neural tube defects and other nutrition-related conditions, and improve health outcomes worldwide. The event also emphasized the need for renewed global commitment to expand and strengthen national fortification programs as countries work toward achieving the goals outlined in WHA76.19.
