Major food fortification drive launched as millions suffer from micronutrient deficiencies in Pakistan

Islamabad:With nearly half of Pakistan’s population suffering from one or more micronutrient deficiencies -- including iron, zinc, vitamin A, and iodine -- a major food fortification initiative was launched on Tuesday to improve the nutritional quality of staple foods consumed by millions of people across the country.

Led by Nutrition International with support from TechnoServe, the Millers for Nutrition initiative was officially launched in Islamabad to strengthen large-scale food fortification efforts by engaging flour and edible oil millers.

The program aims to address the country’s silent nutrition crisis by equipping millers with technical expertise, testing tools, and micronutrient premixes to enhance the quality of wheat flour and edible oil -- two of the most widely consumed staples in Pakistan.

“Micronutrient deficiencies remain a major public health challenge in Pakistan,” said Dr. Shabina Raza, Country Director of Nutrition International, while speaking at the launch event.

“Large-scale food fortification has the potential to help individuals achieve optimal growth, maintain health, and improve their lifelong earning potential. The Millers for Nutrition initiative is a critical step forward and complements our ongoing efforts to expand access to essential nutrition for millions.”

The initiative is part of a global campaign that aims to ensure access to quality fortified staple foods for one billion people by 2026. In Pakistan, the program will bring together millers, regulators, and technical partners to build capacity, improve industry practices, and promote women’s leadership in the food processing sector.

Welcoming the initiative, Badaruddin Kakar, Central Chairman of the Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA), said, “The Millers for Nutrition Coalition is an important step that will advance the nutrition agenda in Pakistan. Along with a strong regulatory environment, raising consumer awareness is equally vital so people can make healthier choices in staple foods. PFMA is committed to working closely with Nutrition International and other partners for the lasting benefit of our people and the country’s future.”

Shaikh Abdul Razzaq, Former Chairman of the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA), emphasized the importance of oil fortification, particularly with vitamins A and D. “We are fully committed to achieving and sustaining 100% fortification of edible oil with Vitamins A and D. This is vital to safeguarding the health of our children and future generations. I urge oil millers across Pakistan to actively participate in this important initiative.”

The launch event was attended by key public and private sector stakeholders, including senior government officials, flour and oil mill representatives, development partners, and technical experts.

The event highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships to improve food systems and recognized millers who have championed fortification. “We are thrilled to introduce Millers for Nutrition in Pakistan,” said Rizwan Yusufali, Global Program Director at TechnoServe. “We want to unite passionate stakeholders to support Pakistan’s millers in achieving fortification excellence and driving meaningful change in the battle against malnutrition. Together, we can transform the future of nutrition in Pakistan.”