The West African Health Organisation (WAHO) has joined the global movement to accelerate large-scale food fortification as part of efforts to eliminate child malnutrition by 2030.
WAHO formally endorsed the Call to Action on Catalysing Large-Scale Food Fortification to End Child Malnutrition by 2030, an initiative launched by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) during the Hamburg Sustainability Conference 2026.
The initiative unites governments, international organisations, development agencies, academic institutions, civil society groups and private sector stakeholders around a common goal of expanding food fortification as a sustainable and cost-effective strategy to tackle malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, particularly among women and children.
In endorsing the global commitment, WAHO reiterated its resolve to ensure that no child in West Africa is disadvantaged by preventable malnutrition.
According to the organisation, its commitment aligns with the implementation of its Regional Nutrition Strategic Plan aimed at strengthening nutrition outcomes across the ECOWAS region.
WAHO stated that through stronger regional policies, harmonised regulatory frameworks, expanded multisectoral partnerships and improved access to fortified foods, significant progress can be achieved in ending child malnutrition and building a healthier and more prosperous future for children across West Africa.
The organisation noted that despite global progress in recent decades, malnutrition remains one of the most pressing public health and development challenges.
Current estimates indicate that nearly 700 million people worldwide continue to experience hunger, while about two billion people suffer from deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals. The burden is particularly severe among children, with one in every two children globally affected by micronutrient deficiencies.
Health experts warn that inadequate nutrition limits children’s physical growth and cognitive development, deepens poverty and inequality, and places heavy social and economic burdens on nations.
To address the challenge, large-scale food fortification has emerged as one of the most effective public health interventions globally. The approach involves enriching widely consumed foods such as flour, rice, edible oils and salt with essential nutrients to improve dietary quality without requiring major changes in eating habits.
The BMZ-led Call to Action outlines five priority areas for accelerating progress toward eliminating child malnutrition by 2030.
These include expanding access to fortified foods among vulnerable populations, especially women and children; strengthening governance and regulatory systems; promoting regional trade and markets for fortified products; increasing private sector participation and strategic partnerships; and creating an enabling environment through stronger institutions, research and improved information systems.
As the specialised health institution of ECOWAS, WAHO reaffirmed its commitment to working with Member States, regional bodies and development partners to advance harmonised nutrition policies and evidence-based interventions aimed at protecting women, children and vulnerable communities from preventable malnutrition.
