Foreign economic-aid-related services

Description

DFID is seeking a service provider to manage a programme to improve food fortification in Pakistan. Pakistan's National Nutrition Survey (2011) states that 44 % of under 5 year olds are stunted and 15 % wasted, figures that have barely changed in three decades. Micronutrient deficiencies are widespread, with high rates of iron-deficiency anaemia, as well as zinc, iodine, folic acid and vitamin A deficiencies. Food fortification is a safe and cost-effective way of preventing micronutrient deficiencies and the iodisation of salt has made a real impact in reducing iodine deficiency in mothers and school children in Pakistan. DFID commissioned a Food Fortification Scoping Study to investigate and compare options for food fortification initiatives in Pakistan. This study has informed development of the Supporting Nutrition In Pakistan (SNIP) programme of which the Food Fortification Programme is a component. The SNIP programme aims to contribute to a reduction in undernutrition with a focus on poor women and children through improved access and consumption of sufficient nutritious and safe food. The Food Fortification Programme will invest up to 46 000 000 GBP in a programme to fortify wheat flour with iron and folic acid, and edible oil/ghee with vitamin A over 5 years in the following areas: improving food fortification via quality control and public quality assurance testing for monitoring, and the implementation of a public advocacy campaign to promote food fortification; significant procurement of fortificant and equipment; a range of targeted scoping studies on food fortification and nutrition interventions.