Helping to Combat Anaemia in Haiti

Anaemia is a public health problem in Haiti. 61% of children younger than 5 years (72% of which are under 2 years old), 50% of pregnant women and 34% of lactating mothers are anaemic (figures from 2006).

Food fortification – that is, fortification of staple foodstuffs with iron and other necessary nutrients – offers an effective way to combat anaemia. In Haiti, wheat flour is consumed by the entire population in both urban and rural areas. In February 2017, the country issued a law making it obligatory to fortify wheat flour with iron, folic acid, B vitamins and zinc. Read more.