Mid term review of- the Micronutrient Initiative rapid results initiative in Kenya

The 26th of October 2006 marked the 50th day of the Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) whose goal is "To have at least 3 edible fats and oils brands on the shelf with the Vitamin A fortification logo by December 16th 2006".

The genesis of this RRI is Vitamin A deficiency in Kenya which is a problem of public health significance. Approximately 84% of children under 5 are for example vitamin A deficient (VAD). To address this, and other micronutrient deficiencies, the Micronutrient Initiative (MI) is collaborating with the National Fortification Alliance (NFA) to fortify widely accessible foods. To jump start this long term initiative a Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) to fortify edible fats ad oils with Vitamin A was launched on the 6th and 7th September 2006. The Rapid Results Approach was adopted as the methodology for results delivery as it has proven ability to deliver results with impact; foster a results orientation culture; and provide a mechanism for learning by doing. The team undertaking this RRI comprise of members from Ministry of Health, Kenya Bureau of Standards, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Bidco Oil Refineries, Pwani Oil and the Micronutrient Initiative.

The RRI Team

The 50th day of the RRI served as an opportune event to officially launch the NFA as well as bring on board additional stakeholders to the RRI. The NFA was launched officially by Dr Bwonya the head of the Head of Department of Standards and Regulatory Services. Presentations made during the session centred on highlighting the VAD challenge in Kenya and outlining the NFA driven initiative to fortify the edible fats and oils with Vitamin A. The achievements reported during the first 50 days of the 100 day RRI were:-

• Kenya Bureau of Standards has developed a draft that incorporates this limit to the fats and oil standards.

• A certification procedure linked to the diamond mark of quality has been developed and adopted.

• Orientation of industry players - Bidco Oil, Pwani Oil, Kappa Oil and Menegai Oil.

• Creation of a draft logo.

Evidenced during the meeting, was an interest within industry and other stakeholders present to join the National Fortification Alliance and support its nutrition improvement initiative. The forum also served to highlight impediments to whole-scale roll out of fortification. Areas of concern identified included the need to enhance advocacy; a concern that fortification would increase product pricing; and that the logo would serve to promote use of fats. As a way forward therefore the NFA and Ministry of Health undertook to continue liaising with Population Services International to develop and implement social marketing. The ministry committed to following up the initiative it had initiated with Ministry of Trade and Industry i.e. subsidization through provision of tax incentives. More consultation was suggested to deal with the fats versus oil concern.

During the afternoon session, the RRI team members undertook a mid term review to identify strategies that need to be put in place so as to facilitate realisation of the RRI goal. The first 50 days of the RRI emerged as having been both challenging and rewarding. Guided by their work plan, the team has put in commendable effort in attaining the achievements highlighted earlier. Emerging best practises and lessons learnt from the RRI include: development of a model for fast-tracking fortification standards; reinforcing of NFA as a mechanisms for industry, ministry of health and Kenya Bureau of standards to interact; need to review incentives to industry to fortify and implement an advocacy campaign.

For the RRI goal to be realised, it is critical that both the public and private sector continue to work in partnership and that each respective organization play its part. At the successful conclusion of the RRI it is envisioned that the team will have an official launch of the certified products with high level representation from the Ministry of Health and the Kenya Bureau of Standards. It is hoped that during this event, that in addition to Bidco, Kappa and Pwani, other edible fats and oils companies will also launch their certified products. As such discussions are also being pursued by Ministry of Health and the Micronutrient initiative with other companies such as Premier and Menegai.

Next Steps

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