Helen Keller International Participates in Flour Fortification Initiative in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Kinshasa, DRC, September 17, 2006 – - On September 27, 2006, Helen Keller International took place in the launch of an initiative to fortify wheat flour with iron and folic acid in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The DRC Minister of Health, Mr. Emile Bongeli Yeikolo, presided over the opening ceremony. This initiative is being implemented by HKI and its program partners including UNICEF, the Micronutrient Initiative, the National Programme of Nutrition under the Ministry of Health and Midema, a private sector company that mills both wheat and maize flour.

A 2005 survey conducted by the Ministry of Health and UNICEF showed that 67% of women and 71% of children in DRC are anemic. Iron deficiency can have an irreversible affect on cognitive and physical development. Anemic mothers are at great risk for becoming sick and even dying. Anemic adults in general are less productive and suffer from lethargy, reducing work output and impacting the economy. Food fortification offers a solution by enriching commonly-used food products with important vitamins and minerals. The nutritional value of the infused food is enhanced and fortified wheat flour will offer health benefits at a minimal cost.

The private company of Midema/Seaboard initiated the fortification of their wheat flour with iron and folic acid, a step that was enthusiastically supported by the DRC government. A logo for fortified products (pictured below) has been developed along with other promotional and marketing materials included a brochure, stickers, posters and banners. Artists were encouraged to include messages about the positive impact of fortification in their theatre performances.

In 1993, the government of the DRC enforced fortification of salt with iodine, and all partners hoped that this wheat flour fortification will be followed by other initiatives that help to improve the health and nutritional status of everyone in the DRC.