The initiative – implemented by Nutrition International and powered by TechnoServe – aims to engage wheat flour and edible oil millers across Pakistan to sustainably enhance the nutritional quality of staples through food fortification. Tuesday, July 29, 2025 ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN: Nutrition International, with support from TechnoServe, launched the Millers for Nutrition initiative — a coalition of food fortification stakeholders — in Pakistan today, marking a significant step toward enhancing the nutritional quality of staple foods, including wheat flour and edible oil. Millers for Nutrition is a global initiative that advances the vital role of millers in reducing malnutrition and improving public health through food fortification — a practice of adding essential micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) to commonly consumed food to improve its nutritional value. The coalition aims to ensure access to quality fortified staple food for 1 billion people worldwide by 2026. Taking forward the global initiative in Pakistan, Nutrition International will engage wheat flour and edible oil millers, empowering them through targeted capacity building, provision of testing equipment and premixes, and support through strong partnerships with the government and industry. This will be complemented by celebrating and recognizing industry champions and promoting women’s leadership in large-scale food fortification. “The Millers for Nutrition Coalition is an important step that will advance the nutrition agenda in Pakistan,” said Badaruddin Kakar, Central Chairman of PFMA. “Along with a strong regulatory environment, raising consumer awareness is equally vital so people can make healthier choices in staple foods. PFMA is committed to working closely with Nutrition International and other partners to take this initiative forward for the lasting benefit of our people and the country’s future”, he added “We are fully committed to achieving and sustaining 100% fortification of edible oil with Vitamins A and D,” said Shaikh Abdul Razzaq, Former Chairman of the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA). “This is vital to safeguarding the health of our children and future generations. I urge oil millers across Pakistan to actively participate in this important initiative, and PVMA remains fully cooperative with Nutrition International and regulatory authorities to accelerate this progress.” Large-scale food fortification has the potential to help individuals achieve optimal growth, maintain health, and improve their lifelong earning potential,” said Dr. Shabina Raza, Country Director, Pakistan, Nutrition International, while speaking at the launch event. “Micronutrient deficiencies remain a major public health challenge in Pakistan. The Millers for Nutrition initiative is a critical step forward, complementing Nutrition International’s ongoing efforts to strengthen food fortification and expand access to essential nutrition for millions,” she added. The national launch event held in Islamabad brought together public and private sector leaders, including millers and representatives from the Pakistan Flour Mills and the Pakistan Vanaspati Associations, to strengthen partnerships, commit to action, and celebrate the champion millers. “We are thrilled to introduce Millers for Nutrition in Pakistan,” said Rizwan Yusufali, Global Program Director, TechnoServe. “We want to unite passionate stakeholders to support Pakistan’s Millers and food processors in achieving fortification excellence and driving meaningful change in the battle against malnutrition. Together, we can transform the future of nutrition in Pakistan”. Millers for Nutrition initiative is a vital step in advancing Pakistan’s national goals on food fortification. It connects millers with Strategic Fortification Partners who are industry experts, suppliers, social enterprises, and other solution providers to access best-in-class technical assistance and specialized training on industry’s best practices. Such support from partners not only improves the nutritional quality of food products but also increases operational efficiencies and competitiveness of the businesses. By engaging millers, the initiative aids in strengthening industry practices and aligning them with the country’s efforts toward food fortification as a strategy to reduce micronutrient deficiencies and improve nutrition outcomes.
