Micronutrient malnutrition (MNM) is a major public health issue in the developed
world, but it is even more important in low-income, developing countries. The main forms of
MNM include vitamin A, iron or iodine deficiency, but folic acid, vitamin D, selenium and zinc
deficiencies, although less recognized, are important as well. A lack of those micronutrients
represents a major threat to the health and development of populations, particularly children
and pregnant women. They account for 7.3 percent of the global burden of disease.
In Sub-Saharan Africa where the prevalence of malaria, HIV, diarrhoea diseases and
other infectious conditions is high, MNM increases their severity and has a high health impact
on children and pregnant women. In Africa, the prevalence of anaemia in pregnant women is
52% percent and is a major factor that contributes to high maternal mortality rates. Vitamin D
deficiency, rickets, osteomalacia and thyroid deficiency are highly prevalent chronic conditions
in low income developing countries.
For many years, food fortification has proven to be the most cost effective means to
prevent MNM. In recent years, many African countries have adopted mandatory fortification
schemes. In 2002, Nigeria successfully mandated a salt iodization program and the fortification
of maize and cooking oil with vitamin A, and sugar and flour with iron. The Tanzanian government
passed mandatory food fortification legislation in July 2011, and it provides a tax exemption
for imported premix for its national fortification program. Such efforts by African countries
are playing a vital role in addressing MNM in Africa. More effort and support are needed
to ensure that these programs are implemented successfully to effectively reduce MNM.