"Huge gains have been made in recent years in combating the problem, but many challenges remain, especially in getting governments to mandate that flour should be fortified with iron supplements," said Rie Hiraoka, a senior social specialist at the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The ADB-sponsored Almaty Forum on Food Fortification will be held on Oct. 29 to 30.
ADB has been combating malnutrition in Central Asia since 2001. It has invested $8.8 million in projects in Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
All six countries require the fortification of salt with iodine. Iodine deficiency can cause stillbirths, spontaneous abortions and premature deaths, stunted growth and blunted intelligence.
Iron-deficiency anemia is another common cause of malnutrition that causes the deaths of pregnant women and constrains the cognitive development of children. Iron is being added to wheat flour, the staple in Central Asia.
Uzbekistan wants a third of its wheat flour fortified with iron, while Kazakhstan is aiming for 60 percent. However, no Central Asian government has yet passed legislation requiring iron fortification of all wheat flour.
