Strengthen National Nutrition Forum for improved coordination of nutrition interventions in the country

The National Nutrition Forum (NNF) has been established by the Planning Commission to provide leadership in harmonising nutrition interventions in the country. The forum is chaired by the deputy chairman for the Planning Commission, and the deputy chief nutrition/Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) focal point is a member and secretary. The NNF works on high-level multisectoral nutrition coordination and engaging relevant ministries/departments, donors, development partners and other key stakeholders for synergistic effect.

The NNF will be strengthened to play a more visible and vibrant role as per its mandate by regular coordination meetings between sensitive department and ministries of nutrition sectors.

An enabling environment at the federal level facilitates implementation of nutrition services through development and strengthening of new or already existing laws, policies and standards. To improve multisectoral nutrition integration and implementation, multisectoral nutrition strategies have been developed in all federating 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.