BUCHANAN, Grand Bassa County – Catholic Relief Services (CRS), in collaboration with the government of Liberia and the National Fortification Alliance (NFA) of Liberia, recently concluded a three-day strategic workshop aimed at addressing chronic malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies in Liberia.
The workshop, held from May 22–24, 2024, brought together approximately twenty-seven representatives from the private and public sectors, civil society organizations, developmental partners, and the media. The workshop focused on reviewing the NFA’s structures, identifying gaps, defining stakeholders’ roles and responsibilities, and developing strategic priorities for the NFA’s 2024–2025 work plan.
Chronic malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies continue to pose a significant public health concern in Liberia, with the nation at risk of losing substantial individual and national economic potential as well as facing premature death and disability. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the workshop focused on the importance of food fortification, which involves adding essential vitamins and minerals to commonly consumed staple food products. This approach has been identified as one of the most cost-effective means of addressing malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies.
Speaking at the beginning of the three-day strategic workshop, Mr. Rufus Kakar, the Chairperson of the National Food Fortification Alliance (NFA) of Liberia, emphasized the pivotal role of food fortification in ensuring the well-being of the people of Liberia. He points out the aim of the strategic workshop and the need for the government and other relevant stakeholders to prioritize food fortification for the benefit of the Liberian population. He highlighted the historicity of the NFA and the aim of the strategic workshop.
“We are here to identify specific points and the work plan regarding the activities of the NFA.
Also, we are here to reawaken the steering committee in various ministries and agencies to understand their roles and develop strategic priorities for the NFA’s 2024–2025 work plan. Stated Mr. Kakar
During the workshop, stakeholders revised the Five-Year Multi-Sectorial Nutrition Costed Strategic Plan of Liberia, reviewed the roles and responsibilities of key line ministries and agencies in the NFA, and developed a draft of activities, a work plan, and a budget for each sub-committee. The outcome of this workshop included the development of the NFA strategic action plan and budget for 2024 and 2025, as well as the strengthening and enhancement of awareness and collaboration among NFA members.
Speaking at the closure of the workshop, Mr. Kansualism B. Kansuch, the Director General of the Liberia Standard Authority, emphasized the institution’s commitment to start a vigorous awareness exercise to inform the public about food fortification standards.
“I can assure you that in the next few months, we are going to start a vigorous awareness exercise so that everyone in the country can be aware of the food fortification standards. Then we can start enforcement about the standard.” Said Mr. Kanuah.
Moreover, Mr. Sunday J. Kerkula, Technical Desk Officer of NFA, appreciated the technical support provided by all stakeholders and the large food fortification initiatives in Liberia sponsored by Catholic Relief Services. He also appeals to all stakeholders to support the implementation of strategic priorities for the NFA’s 2024–2025 work plan.
With the development of the NFA strategic action plan and budget for 2024 and 2025, as well as the strengthened collaboration among NFA members, the workshop has laid a solid foundation for tangible progress in addressing these pressing public health concerns.
By bringing together key stakeholders and facilitating constructive discussions, CRS and its partners are taking a proactive approach to combating these pressing public health issues. The NFA and its partners are now prepared and committed to implementing the strategic action plan to improve the health and well-being of the people of Liberia.