Biofortification, a New Way to Tackle Malnutrition

WASHINGTON, DC —  Biofortification is becoming the new way to tackle what some call micronutrient malnutrition. Various biofortification projects are underway in many parts of the developing world. They’re adding iron, zinc, and vitamin A in crops such as rice, beans, sweet potato, maize and cassava.

According to the World Health Organization, between 250,000 and 500,000 vitamin A-deficient children become blind every year, half of them dying within 12 months of losing their sight.

Paul Ilona is the country director for Harvest Plus - a global program that improves nutrition and public health through biofortified foods. Ilona tells V-O-A’s Mariama Diallo that in addition to blindness, the consequences of not having enough micronutrients in a daily diet are devastating and can result in stunting and disease.

Listen to an interview on biofortification efforts in Nigeria