nutrition policy

An enabling environment at the federal level facilitates implementation of nutrition services through developing and strengthening new or already existing laws, policies and standards. To improve multisectoral nutrition integration and implementation, multisectoral nutrition strategies have been developed in all federal units. The situation on the ground has changed dramatically in the wake of Covid-19 and requires revision and readjustment in light of this. The provincial multisectoral strategies will be revised in the coming years for improved multisectoral nutrition integration and to better respond to the emerging challenges of food and nutrition security in the wake of Covid-19.

Food fortification is a cost-effective and safe way to address micronutrient deficiencies. There is no mandatory legislation on wheat flour fortification in any of the four provinces or at the federal level. Although legislation exists for fortifying edible oil/ghee with vitamin A, there is a lack of adequate enforcement and regulatory mechanisms, with the result that the vast majority of edible oil is either unfortified or inadequately fortified. Federal and provincial governments, working with stakeholders and development partners, can put in place mandatory food legislation and implementation bodies.