World health assembly resolution for preventing micronutrient deficiencies and associated neural tube defects—A case study of global partnerships for a successful resolution adoption

Background

On May 29, 2023, the 76th World Health Assembly (WHA) unanimously adopted the resolution entitled, “Accelerating efforts for preventing micronutrient deficiencies and their consequences, including spina bifida and other neural tube defects, through safe and effective food fortification.” The Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention published their resolution in 2015 supporting mandatory fortification of staple foods with folic acid and recommendations aiming to achieve global total prevention of folate-sensitive spina bifida and anencephaly, setting a goal to achieve by the year 2024. The WHA resolution provides another global push for the cause, with recommendations to member nations for food fortification to be achieved by the year 2030.

Methods

This short communication documents the steps, from inception up to the passage, of the 76th WHA resolution on food fortification, with a narrative on the nature of strategic advocacy efforts by multiple governmental and nongovernmental organizations.

Results

WHA resolutions can take many years to be introduced and passed by the assembly; however, this is a case study of the swiftness of the process enabled by powerful global partnership.

Conclusion

The documentation of this process serves as an example for developing and processing future WHA resolutions aiming to improve global maternal and child health.