CEECIS Regional Workshops
When
12 June 2012 - 15 June 2012
Where
Region: Europe
Objective
Workshop 1: Addressing Micronutrient Deficiencies through Flour Fortification in the CEECIS Region
To discuss multiple options for addressing micronutrient malnutrition, making the case for flour fortification.
To provide evidence for the impact of flour fortification programs.
To explore the latest recommendations and research related to flour fortification.
To dispel concerns about the effect of fortified flour on individuals with thalassemia and other blood disorders.
To encourage consensus-building among participants and promote future engagement in national flour fortification efforts and research.
Workshop 2: Addressing Challenges and Strengthening Local Capacity to Implement Flour Fortification Initiatives in the CEECIS Region
To share recent fortification activity updates and further develop existing national fortification plans as needed.
To provide participants with a thorough understanding of how to prepare a national standard and accompanying legislation for proper implementation and regulation of flour fortification efforts.
To conceptualize optimum QA/QC structure necessary to ensure consistent flour fortification processes.
To engage country representatives in dialogue about the creation and management of sustainable monitoring systems essential for successful flour fortification programs.
To discuss logistics related to premix sourcing, financial input, storage and use.
To address concerns related to trade relations and fiscal mechanisms to support flour fortification programs.
Summary
In June 2012 we joined efforts with UNICEF to host two regional workshops in Ankara, Turkey. The first was for individuals focused on the scientific aspects of fortification while the second was geared towards representatives of flour milling companies, government ministries and inspection agencies. The objectives of the meetings were to build consensus around addressing essential nutrient deficiencies with food fortification and gain advocates for related efforts in the Central and Eastern Europe and Commonwealth of Independent States region Workshop participants included scientists, doctors, public health professionals, academicians, government institutions, flour milling industry representatives and UNICEF staff. The event brought together 100 people from 10 countries, including Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Macedonia, Moldova and Turkey.
Meeting presentations are linked below.
Overview of Micronutrient Malnutrition and Effective Interventions: The Global Picture (Helena Pachón, FFI)
Flour Fortification Initiative overview (Bob Baldwin, FFI)
Progress in Flour Fortification in Central and Eastern Europe and Commonwealth of Independent States (Vilma Tyler, UNICEF)
Development of World Health Organization Recommendations for Wheat and Maize Flour Fortification (Quentin Johnson, FFI)
Spina Bifida: Causes, Consequences, and Prevention (Dr. H. Murat Mutus, Turkish Spina Bifida Association)
Impact of Flour Fortification with Iron (Althea M. Grant, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC])
Evidence for the Safety of Fortifying Flour with Iron in the Presence of Thalassemia and Other Blood Disorders (Althea M. Grant, CDC)
Evidence for Impact of Flour Fortification with Folic Acid (Helene McNulty, Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health, University of Ulster)
Impact of Fortifying Flour with Other B Vitamins, Vitamin D, Calcium, and Magnesium (Quentin Johnson, FFI)
Flour Fortification Efforts and Impact: A Global Update (Becky Handforth, FFI)
Legislation and Standards (Quentin Johnson, FFI)
Quality and Process Control (Quentin Johnson, FFI)
Trade Concerns (Quentin Johnson, FFI)
Monitoring and Surveillance (Ibrahim Parvanta, consultant)
National Monitoring and Evaluation Systems: Experiences from Iran (Hamed Pouraram, Iran Nutrition Department)
Essential Components of a Flour Fortification Monitoring System for Production, Supply, and Quality (Laird Ruth, FFI)
Presentations
Summary of Workshops