The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) invites local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to strengthen advocacy for fortified food products (wheat flour and edible oil) in Ethiopia.

INVITITATION TO POTENTIAL LOCAL CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS TO STRENGTHEN THE ADVOCACY OF FORTIFIED FOOD PRODUCTS (WHEAT FLOUR AND EDIBLE OIL) IN ETHIOPIA INTRODUCTION The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) is a Swiss-based foundation launched at the UN in 2002 to tackle the human suffering caused by malnutrition. Working with both governments and businesses, we aim to transform food systems so that they deliver more nutritious food for all people. At GAIN, we believe that everyone in the world should have access to nutritious and safe food. BACKGROUND Despite significant progress, malnutrition remains a pressing global challenge. It causes both immediate and long-term health problems for individuals and undermines productivity, leading to serious socioeconomic consequences for countries. Micronutrient malnutrition, most commonly deficiencies in iron, iodine, vitamin A, zinc, and folate, affects nearly half of children under five worldwide and about one-third of the global population. Large-Scale Food Fortification (LSFF) has been proven to significantly improve nutrition, health, and developmental outcomes. A recent systematic review showed that LSFF programs enhanced micronutrient status and health outcomes in lowand middle-income countries, including reducing birth defects and improving iron and vitamin A status. In Ethiopia, reliable access to safe and nutritious food is central to national health and development. Fortifying wheat flour and edible oil are cost-effective, evidence-based interventions with the potential to reduce micronutrient deficiencies among millions of women, children, and vulnerable populations. To accelerate progress, GAIN has strengthened partnerships with key government institutions to support improved implementation and monitoring of national fortification mandates. At the same time, we have engaged local civil society organizations, development partners, and the private sector through multi-stakeholder platforms, fostering co