Strengthening Fortification Markets to Reduce Iron Deficiency Anemia

Abstract

Iron-fortified foods are a proven means of reducing iron deficiency anemia in broad populations, yet fortification programs are almost entirely reliant on a disincentivized private sector value chain to deliver on this promise. By adding an industry lens to the implementation of fortification programs, we can better cultivate the incentives necessary for improving coverage and compliance goals. New private–private partnerships between supply chain actors can generate revenue through expanded markets and service offerings, thereby broadening active participation to downstream intermediaries and retailers that serve target markets. Placing the onus on industry for automated collection of quality data through internet-connected devices can strengthen the regulatory monitoring creditability needed for industry engagement, provide industry an opportunity to leverage the data for comparative advantage, and may ultimately lead to self-policing along the value chain—all actions to drive a more level playing field. Finally, a stronger government commitment to integrating fortification into their broader food quality and safety agendas could help to align fortification with industry priorities. In combination with a movement towards automated data collection, government could then better focus on their enabler role to reinforce industry’s commitment to fortification.