Egypt launches national wheat flour fortification programme to combat rising anemia rates

EGYPT — The Government of Egypt has launched a nationwide wheat flour fortification initiative aimed at addressing iron deficiency anemia, a persistent public health concern particularly affecting children and women of reproductive age. 

The National Flour Fortification Programme was inaugurated through a joint effort by the Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade (MOSIT), the Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP), and the National Nutrition Institute (NNI), with support from the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).

The programme mandates the fortification of subsidized wheat flour with iron and folic acid, targeting flour used in baking ‘Baladi’ bread, a staple consumed by millions across the country. 

The fortified bread will initially be distributed through public bakeries in 13 governorates identified as having the highest rates of anemia.

The intervention follows a growing concern over the rising prevalence of anemia in Egypt. According to the 2021 Population Research Report by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS), 43% of children under five were found to be anemic. 

Similar trends have been observed across other age groups, indicating a wider nutritional gap. The fortification mix’s formulation was developed and approved by the National Nutrition Institute after analyzing Egypt’s national dietary patterns and malnutrition trends.

Dr. Sherif Farouk, Minister of Supply and Internal Trade, stated that the initiative reflects the government’s ongoing reforms to enhance the nutritional profile of subsidized bread, adding that “the programme is part of broader efforts to increase the efficiency of Egypt’s food subsidy system.” 

He noted that the move complements parallel national initiatives aimed at modernizing storage and milling infrastructure, reinforcing strategic reserves of essential commodities, and adopting digital solutions for food production and distribution.

The launch has received technical and logistical backing from the World Food Programme, which has trained over 600 millers operating across various flour mills in Egypt. These millers are responsible for implementing the fortified flour blends into routine production. 

Jean-Pierre de Margerie, WFP Egypt Country Director, stated that the programme is a direct application of Egypt’s food and nutrition strategy, in alignment with national planning frameworks such as Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population, described iron deficiency as a persistent nutritional challenge in the country. He said the new fortification policy is a timely measure to address one of the major contributors to malnutrition-related health burdens. 

Dr. Abdel Ghaffar acknowledged the joint efforts of the government, WFP, and development partners, noting that coordinated responses are essential to reduce the prevalence of diet-related diseases.

The first phase of the initiative is being funded through a grant from the German Government, which has facilitated the procurement of the iron and folic acid premix required for the enrichment process. 

Costs for the premix and associated logistics have not been publicly disclosed, but funding in local currency has been converted to approximately US$1.7 million, according to WFP sources.

Dr. Sahar Khairy, Director of the National Nutrition Institute, reiterated that iron deficiency remains largely driven by insufficient dietary iron intake. She highlighted the need for integrated interventions that improve both the quality and accessibility of nutrient-rich foods, especially for vulnerable demographics.

The initiative is part of a trend among African countries seeking to improve the nutritional quality of staple foods as a preventive measure against malnutrition. 

Similar programmes have been launched in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, where governments have fortified products such as maize flour and cooking oil to tackle widespread micronutrient deficiencies.

The National Flour Fortification Programme adds to Egypt’s growing list of public health and food system interventions, including efforts to digitize ration card systems, upgrade food storage facilities, and invest in local agricultural productivity to reduce dependency on imports.

No formal timeline has been announced for the expansion of the fortified flour beyond the initial 13 governorates, but MOSIT officials have indicated that nationwide coverage is anticipated in subsequent phases, pending evaluation outcomes and continued funding support.