Preventing Malnutrition in the Global South: Large-Scale Interventions to Address Micronutrient Deficiencies

Name: Preventing Malnutrition in the Global South: Large-Scale Interventions to Address Micronutrient Deficiencies
Start: 2026-05-18T07:30:00+02:00
End: 2026-05-18T09:00:00+02:00
Location: Mandarin Oriental

The Ministry of Health Indonesia is hosting a side event titled “Preventing Malnutrition in the Global South: Large Scale Interventions to Address Micronutrient Deficiencies” during the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA 79). The event will take place on 18 May 2026 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Geneva.

WHA 79 marks the first occasion on which countries will share progress on Resolution WHA 76.19, “Accelerating efforts for preventing micronutrient deficiencies and their consequences, including spina bifida and other neural tube defects, through safe and effective food fortification,” adopted in May 2023. This event aims to capitalize on this moment by showcasing south-south coordination and country progress on large-scale food fortification (LSFF) at a global platform.

The side event will be hosted by H.E. Budi Sadikin, Minister of Health, Indonesia, and co-hosted by the ministries of health of Egypt, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka.

Confirmed speakers include:

H.E. Budi Sadikin, Minister of Health, Indonesia
H.E. Prof. Abla Al-Alfy, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Health and Population, Egypt
Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka
Ms. Adegbite Olufunmilola Bolape, Director of Nutrition, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Nigeria
Dr. Juliawati Untoro, Scientist, Nutrition and Food Safety, World Health Organization

The discussion will focus on the importance of, and progress made in, large-scale interventions such as LSFF to reduce micronutrient deficiencies and improve nutritional outcomes, particularly among children, adolescents, and women of reproductive age.