NATIONAL COMMUNICATION STRATEGY FOR FOOD FORTIFICATION - KFI

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Hidden hunger is a condition of micronutrient deficiencies, especially iron, zinc, iodine, and vitamin A in the body. This condition is often not visible to the naked eye and typically requires clinical testing for diagnosis. Despite being "hidden," its impact is significant. In Indonesia, economic factors and a lack of knowledge about nutritionally balanced diets contribute to food and nutrition insecurity, leading to widespread micronutrient deficiencies, commonly known as hidden hunger. Common deficiencies include iodine, iron, folic acid, vitamin A, and various B vitamins. These deficiencies can lead to increased maternal and child mortality, hinder growth and cognitive development, exacerbate infectious diseases, and reduce overall productivity and potential for a healthy life. Additionally, poor health and nutritional status impede Indonesia's development, particularly in creating healthy, educated, skilled, and competitive human resources.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), effective solutions to address hidden hunger include food diversification, food fortification, supplementation, and other public health initiatives. Among these strategies, food fortification has proven to be both effective and cost-efficient in reducing hidden hunger. In Law No. 18/2012 on Food and the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) for 2020-2024, priority programs have been established to tackle nutrition-related issues. The food fortification program is a key component of these efforts, alongside food diversification, local food development, supplementation, and community nutrition education. Currently, fortification efforts focus on three essential foods: salt, wheat flour, and palm cooking oil.

Although the policy and implementation of the food fortification program are protected by regulations and implemented nationally, there are still a series of obstacles that need to be resolved to ensure the effectiveness of the food fortification program in Indonesia. Strengthening the food fortification program requires coordination and cooperation from various parties, including the central and local governments, and the private sector.

Recognizing the strategic importance of this development intervention program, KFI (Yayasan Kegizian Pengembangan Fortifikasi Pangan Indonesia) developed the “National Communication Strategy for Food Fortification for Advocacy and Behavior Change.” This strategy aims to strengthen the food fortification program through effective communication and advocacy. The strategy was developed using the Socio-Ecological Model (SEM) theoretical framework, commonly applied in social sciences and public health to analyze situations and identify key stakeholders involved in food fortification issues. In formulating this communication strategy, a comprehensive mapping and analysis of relevant documents were conducted, along with consultations and discussions held during a series of focus group discussions (FGDs) with various stakeholders. The goal of this strategy is to enhance understanding, foster commitment, and ensure the successful implementation of the fortification program by actively involving supportive parties that influence the program's effectiveness and generate public demand. For further information about this document, please contact us via email at kfi@kfindonesia.org.

-Nur Rahmah Utami-

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