By Olimatou Coker
The National Nutrition Agency (NaNA), in collaboration with FAO together with other partners has on Thursday met stakeholders on the 7th National Alliance for Food Fortification (NAFF) to implement activities of NAFF at a meeting held at NaNA hall.
NAFF is a multi-sectoral public-private sector collaborative team. The NAFF serves as an accountability mechanism for all food fortification interventions in The Gambia.
The Project works closely with the government of The Gambia, the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation, and other relevant partners to ensure that a sustained regulatory mechanism is in place and to frequently converge and discuss important emerging issues about compliance, promotion, distribution, and consumption of fortified foods and the implementation of strategies towards permanently eliminating micronutrient malnutrition.
It also ensures that sustainable mechanisms are in place to discuss challenges and emerging issues emanating from industries, food importers, and other stakeholders hindering compliance and to take appropriate measures to address them.
Speaking at the meeting, Modou Cheyassin Phall, Executive Director National Nutrition Agency, who doubles as National Alliance for Food Fortification Coordinator, said food fortification cannot be diverted from biofortification, noting that these are the two projects trying to address the issue of micronutrient defenses in the country.
Director Phall went on to thank FAO for bringing the project to the country. He also thanked partners such as Food Safety and Quality Authority (FSQA) and Standard Bureau for regulating foods entering the country.
He highlighted the importance of going beyond regulation, saying he is pleased implementation is taking place to ensure mandatory regulation of imported flower in the country. He described the move as a giant step for the country.
He added the project aims to ensure foods produced in the country are also fortified.
He called on all to put their efforts together for the sustainability of the project.
Phall observed that NAFF without the private sector may not get to where they desire.
Dr Amadou Bah, Deputy Executive Director National Nutrition Agency, said it is our collective responsibility to encourage NAFF members to fully participate as they all have parts to play.
He said they aim to ensure all institutions are involved in food fortification.
