Implementing Large-Scale Food Fortification in Ghana: Lessons Learned

BackgroundFood fortification began in Ghana in 1996 when legislation was passed to enforce the iodization of salt. This paper describes the development of the Ghanaian fortification program and identifies lessons learned in implementing fortification initiatives (universal salt iodization, fortification of vegetable oil and wheat flour) from 1996 to date.ObjectiveThis paper identifies achievements, challenges, and lessons learned in implementing large scale food fortification in Ghana.MethodologyPrimary data was collected through interviews with key members of the National Food Fortification Alliance (NFFA), implementation staff of the Food Fortification Project, and staff of GAIN. Secondary data was collected through desk review of documentation from the project offices of the National Food Fortification Project and the National Secretariat for the Implementation of the National Salt Iodization in Ghana.ResultsReduction of the prevalence of goiter has been observed, and coverage of households with adequa...