Speaking at the 15th National Alliance for Food Fortification (NAFF) meeting on Thursday, 18 June 2026, Director General of NaNA, Alhagie Malang N. Fofana, underscored the urgency of tackling malnutrition in all its forms. The meeting, held at NaNA conference room and funded by the World Food Programme (WFP), brought together key stakeholders from government, civil society, and the private sector.
The gathering reviewed progress since the last meeting, discussed updates on food fortification and bio‑fortification interventions, and outlined planned activities for the next quarter. It also served as a platform to address pressing issues affecting food and nutrition security nationwide.
Highlighting the challenges, Mr Fofana said deficiencies continue to have a critical impact on the country’s human capital, particularly among the most vulnerable. He revealed that, as part of operationalising the National Nutrition Act 2024, NaNA is developing regulations and has begun the process of hiring a consultant to institutionalise and legalise NAFF as a sustainable platform.
“We are also developing regulations to operationalise the Nutrition Act established by the Food and Nutrition Act,” he explained. “The nutrition fund will provide resources to invest in the sustainability of NAFF. This requires maximum effort, and every effort must be put into addressing the triple burden of malnutrition.”
Mr Fofana emphasised that NAFF remains a unique forum, convening public and private stakeholders quarterly to discuss fortification strategies and their impact on operations. He stressed that tackling malnutrition is critical for the future development of the country’s human capital.
Abdoul Aziz Ceesay, NaNA Deputy Director General and NAFF Coordinator, praised the partnership between public and private sectors, noting its role in improving food security and nutrition. He highlighted that NAFF meetings provide an opportunity to address challenges in food certification and bio‑certification, ensuring standards are met across the country.
Malick Ndiaye, Interim Country Director of the WFP, described food fortification as one of the most cost‑effective and impactful public health interventions. By enriching commonly consumed staples with essential vitamins and minerals, he said The Gambia has a unique opportunity to combat micronutrient deficiencies that disproportionately affect women and children. He reaffirmed WFP’s commitment to supporting the fight against malnutrition.
Momodou Lamin B. Bah, National Assembly Member for Banjul North and Vice Chairman of the Parliamentary Health Select Committee, warned that micronutrient deficiencies are “quietly robbing children” of their potential. He urged stakeholders to prioritise compliance awareness campaigns and strategic partnerships. Other speakers included Mamadou Bah, Director General of the Food Security and Quality Assurance (FSQA).
