#Nigeria #Lagos #Particles for Humanity #vitamin A

Particles for Humanity's Contribution to Vitamin A Fortification in Nigeria

In a significant opportunity for public health strategy, Particles for Humanity has been invited to present at the National Fortification Alliance (NFA) meeting in Lagos, Nigeria, scheduled for December 2024. This meeting represents a critical platform for discussing advancements in food fortification, particularly concerning micronutrient stability and effectiveness.

Context of the Meeting

The NFA serves as a vital forum where stakeholders come together to evaluate progress and strategize food fortification efforts across Nigeria. This includes discussions among ingredient manufacturers, NGOs, government regulators, and other essential contributors to the food supply chain. The collaboration aims to address pressing nutritional deficiencies, especially vitamin A deficiency, which remains a public health threat in many regions of Africa, including Nigeria.

The Importance of Vitamin A Fortification

Vitamin A deficiency is widespread in Nigeria, exacerbated by the country’s humid climate, which can cause vitamin A products to degrade before they can be consumed. The invitation to present is timely, as Particles for Humanity will showcase its newly developed PFH-VAP (Vitamin A Palmitate) formulation aimed at enhancing the stability of vitamin A in food products. CEO Sherri Oberg emphasized the importance of creating robust standards for fortification that ensure the inclusion of stable micronutrient products.

Innovative Solutions for Stability

The NFA meeting will highlight the latest research conducted by Particles for Humanity, which reveals significant variances in the stability profiles and particle characteristics of commercially available vitamin A palmitate products. Currently, Nigeria's fortification standards for wheat flour and sugar lack differentiation between these products, leading many manufacturers to opt for the cheapest variants, which may not be effective. By advocating for revised standards, Particles for Humanity seeks to encourage the adoption of more stable and efficacious vitamin A products, such as PFH-VAP, which boasts a fourfold increase in stability compared to existing solutions under hot and humid conditions.

Building Sustainable Relationships

Since its initial presentation to the NFA in November 2022, Particles for Humanity has made six trips to Nigeria to engage with key stakeholders. During these visits, the organization has focused on gathering insights for further development of its PFH-VAP product. Maintaining open lines of communication with ingredient manufacturers, wheat and rice millers, sugar refiners, and NGOs is crucial to refining their approach and ensuring that vulnerable communities receive the essential nutrients they require.

Looking Towards the Future

Oberg expressed profound gratitude for the collaborative efforts with the NFA and expressed hope that ongoing partnerships will facilitate the delivery of critical micronutrients to those in need. As Particles for Humanity navigates the technical and regulatory challenges of fortifying food in Nigeria, the company remains committed to its mission of improving public health in low and lower-middle-income countries through innovative nutritional solutions. This dedication is underpinned by a robust funding model that relies entirely on philanthropy to drive its initiatives forward.

In summary, the upcoming NFA meeting presents a pivotal moment for Particles for Humanity to share its findings and future plans, paving the way for enhanced nutritional standards and healthier populations in Nigeria.