Malnutrition: ECOWAS advocates for regional collaboration to ensure availability of safe food 

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has advocated for the need to foster regional collaboration to ensure the availability of safe fortified foods.

READ ALSO:GMO: Experts advocate reform in Nigeria’s food system

The move, aims to combat malnutrition and improve public health, for vulnerable groups such as women of child-bearing age, children, and low income populations.

This was stated at the closing ceremony of a four-day Technical Regional Workshop in Cotonou, Benin, Organised by the ECOWAS Directorate of Industry to develop a Regional Framework for Large-Scale Food Fortification (LSFF) in West Africa.

This initiative is also aimed at enhancing food security and combating malnutrition through fortified foods.

Speaking, the Director of Industry, Mr.Lassane Kabore, explained that Malnutrition remains a significant challenge, particularly for women and children in the region. He highlighted on the importance of elaborating an appropriate Regional Framework.

“it will create synergies between regional and national Large-Scale Food Fortification (LSFF) initiatives and better coordinate the various stakeholders towards greater impact”.

“Discussions focused on leveraging on the best practices from National LSFF frameworks as well as the lessons learnt from the experiences in Member States and on guiding fortification efforts across the region by ensuring Quality, affordable, standard-compliant fortified foods produced in the region, available on the market and widely consumed, particularly by target groups”.

In response, to food insecurity, ECOWAS launched the Regional Food Alliance in 2023 to enhance Large-Scale Food Fortification (LSFF) efforts through improved coordination and trade facilitation.

The Cotonou workshop gathered Experts and a delegation of the ECOWAS Commission, led by Director of Industry, Lassane Kabore.