The Problem
Micronutrient malnutrition otherwise known as hidden hunger occurs specially the case of Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA). According to the study conducted by Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) in 2003, there is an increasing incidence of IDA in infants at 66% from 56%, likewise it was found out that 50.3% of pregnant women and 42% of lactating women were anemic. IDA causes Fatigue, low productivity and apathy among adults and poor school performance among children.
The Answer: RA 8976
The RA 8976 or the Philippine Food Fortification Act 2000 is a government program through the Department of Health (DOH) as one of the strategies to fight and eliminate micronutrient malnutrition in the country. The Food Fortification Program aims to increase dietary intake of Vitamin A, Iron and Iodine equivalent to 50% of recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) contributed by fortified food.
This mandates the fortification of staple food to include Rice with Iron, flour with Vitamin A and Iron, Edible Oil with Vitamin A, and Sugar with Vitamin A.
The Question
Hows the implementation of the program? What are the problem encountered? Where are we now?
Monday, May 19, 2008
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