HOW We Work

Fortify collaborates with a variety of stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions that work in the context of regional consumer preferences, national regulatory directives and global nutritional standards.

Fortify partners on advocacy and education efforts with leading organizations and foundations dedicated to food, nutrition, health, and international development, including the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), The Wellbeing Foundation of Africa (WBFA), and USAID; and with government agencies, such as The Federal Ministries of Nigeria and Ghana.

reduce iron deficiency anemia

A New Food Vehicle to Fortify Everyday Meals with Iron in West Africa

  • Identified processed tomato products as best, frequently consumed and healthy option for iron fortification
  • Targeted leading tomato paste processors in West Africa
  • Guided the global agribusiness company, Olam International, with our food science expertise to develop and test an iron fortified tomato paste for consumers
  • In June 2019, Olam launched the first-ever iron fortified tomato mixes (three varieties of tomato paste) in Nigeria, processing at least 20 million sachets monthly. In November 2020, Olam began distribution of iron fortified rice in Ghana. In June 2021, they began distributing iron fortified tomato mixes in Ghana as well.

In Nigeria, Fortify is the nutrition lead in a three-way alliance formed to improve the nutritional status of Nigerians, especially women and children, and to improve economic stability for families. The partners are:

  • Tomato Jos, a Nigerian farm-to-processing company that helps farmers improve crop quality and yield to increase their ability to sell their produce for processing
  • World Vegetable Center, a global research and development organization that builds networks, and carries out training and promotion activities to raise awareness of the role of vegetables for improved health and global poverty alleviation

Fortify provides technical guidance on fortification to Tomato Jos and leads education and outreach efforts to community health workers and other key stakeholders about the benefits of consuming an iron fortified product.


A Partnership to Increase Nutrition Training for Health Care Providers Serving Women and Children

While the new coronavirus hits the poorest the hardest, Fortify and the Wellbeing Foundation Africa have joined forces to help strengthen the nutritional status some of the most vulnerable in Africa – those suffering from iron deficiency anemia (at least 40% of women and 60% of young children). The partnership is based on a mutual dedication to save lives and improve overall wellness of mothers, and in turn, their children. Together, Fortify and WBFA are building awareness and educating community health providers and mothers about the life-saving benefits of consuming iron fortified products.

WBFA is a Nigeria-based organization founded in 2004 by Her Excellency Mrs. Toyin Ojora Saraki, with the aim of improving health outcomes for women, infants, and children. The WBFA combines programs with advocacy work in Nigeria and around the world. www.wbfafrica.org.