Stakeholders Unite to Develop Food Fortification Communication Campaign

In a pivotal move to combat widespread micronutrient deficiencies, Millers for Nutrition is partnering with key stakeholders in Kenya and Tanzania to roll out innovative food fortification campaigns. In Kenya, where the Ministry of Health and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) lead the initiative, Millers for Nutrition recently attended a communications workshop that included government officials, nutrition experts, and industry leaders. 

Similarly, in Tanzania, Millers for Nutrition and GAIN are working together to integrate communications professionals with technical experts, ensuring effective messaging to support national fortification strategies.

This collaborative approach underscores the critical role of stakeholder engagement in scaling food fortification efforts with millers playing a pivotal part in improving public health outcomes through the fortification of staple foods like maize flour, wheat flour, and edible oils.

Micronutrient deficiencies remain a significant public health challenge, affecting millions of people, limiting their potential for growth and development. Food fortification is an efficient and cost-effective solution that offers national populations access to a nutritious diet through staple foods already being consumed. By enhancing the quality of foods, millers play a direct role in improving health outcomes and supporting national development goals.

The workshop in Nairobi brought together a diverse range of government and fortification stakeholders to deliberate how best to roll out a national fortification campaign that would be effective in communicating the benefits of consuming adequately fortified foods. County health officials shared insights from local communities, while Ministry of Health representatives outlined how stakeholders can align efforts with national health priorities and policies. 

“Communications expertise is essential to translating complex technical information into clear, actionable messages,” said Dr. Brenda Obura, head of food safety at Kenya’s Ministry of Health. “When we get the messaging right, we can effectively drive behavior change and improve health outcomes. This is particularly true for food fortification, where public understanding and acceptance are crucial to success.”

Following the workshop is a process to test campaign content with diverse audiences. Millers for Nutrition will support the effort by reviewing communication materials and participating in campaign planning.