Ethiopia Launches World-First Salt Fortification Program to Combat Birth Defects
Ethiopia has launched a groundbreaking initiative to combat Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) through the fortification of salt with both iodine and folic acid, marking the first program of its kind worldwide. The national meeting in Addis Ababa unveiled research findings and discussed the roadmap for scaling up this innovation across the country.
Speaking at the event, H.E. Dr. Mekdes Daba, Minister of Health, described the program as a historic milestone in safeguarding maternal and child health. She emphasized that fortifying salt with iodine and folic acid will help protect families, strengthen communities, and ensure every child has a healthy start in life.
H.E. Mr. Melaku Alebel, Minister of Industry, highlighted his ministry’s commitment to advancing Ethiopia’s nutrition agenda. He expressed gratitude to industries, researchers, and stakeholders whose collaboration made the study possible.
Dr. Mesay Hailu, Director General of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), confirmed that scientific evidence demonstrates the safety and effectiveness of the fortified salt. He noted Ethiopia’s success in reducing iodine deficiency and stressed that the introduction of double-fortified salt with iodine and folic acid (DFS-IoFA) represents a new chapter in maternal and child health. He added that rigorous research and clinical trials conducted by Ethiopian scientists have validated the program’s feasibility and impact.
Dr. Getachew Tolera, Deputy Director General of EPHI, underscored that the initiative aligns with Ethiopia’s National Food and Nutrition Policy and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He stated that the program positions Ethiopia as a global leader in food fortification and thanked all contributors for their role in this transformative research.
The trial findings were presented by Principal Investigator Dr. Masresha Tessema, who outlined the potential public health impact of DFS-IoFA.
Workshop discussions revealed that Ethiopia bears the highest burden of NTDs in Africa, with more than 80 cases per 10,000 births — three times the continental average. Experts explained that the majority of these defects occur because mothers lack sufficient folate before conception and during the first month of pregnancy.
Partner organizations and stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to scaling up the program nationwide, ensuring that fortified salt becomes a sustainable solution to one of Ethiopia’s most pressing public health challenges.