Food Fortification Initiative

Problem Statement

In Haryana prevalence the of anemia in among children is 71.7% and for nonpregnant and pregnant women is 63% and 55% respectively as per NFHS-4. There is also high prevalence of Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) in the State. which points out that Iron and Folic acid supplementation programmes have not been very successful thus, Food Fortification Initiative was taken up to address these micronutrient deficiencies.

Programme Description

A three-phase strategy was adopted over a five-year period. In Phase 1, a cross-sectional household survey with biomarker data (hemoglobin, ferritin, red blood cell folate and serum folate and vitamin B12) among non-pregnant women of reproductive age (18-49 years), birth defects surveillance, a supply chain analysis, a community needs assessment, and community sensitization was conducted in 2016-17. In Phase 2, the implementation of the wheat flour fortification project, monitoring of the fortification project and continuation of birth defects surveillance is being done.

Programme Outcomes

The key finding from the surveys highlight that the majority of the population surveyed was vegetarian (87%) and wheat was used as the staple food (98%). Most of households (96%) possess ration cards and around 63% utilized PDS for purchasing wheat grain. The prevalence of folate deficiency was 11.3% (95% CI: 9.2, 13.9) for serum folate, and the prevalence of RBC folate insufficiency was 78.6% (95% CI: 74.8, 82.5). A total of 58.3% (95% CI: 54.2, 62.5) of women were vitamin B12 deficient. Distribution of fortified wheat flour in Public distribution System (PDS) was started in 2018. Based on the positive feedback from beneficiaries and increase in the off take of fortified wheat flour (96%) compared to wheat grain (80%), the Government of Haryana scaled up this Programme in 2019. Phase 3 will be conducted once there is a continuous use of fortified wheat flour by beneficiaries for at least 18 months.

Scalability

This initiative will help create a feasible, affordable, sustainable and a scalable model.

Implementation Partners

WHO, Health/NHM-Haryana, WCD/ICDS, Public Distribution, Education Departments.

Financial Implications

State Budget of respective De.partments

Source : We Care Coffee Table Book - Good, Replicable and Innovative Practices 2019