Folate Task Team, and International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.

Overview

The purpose of this knowledge brief is to introduce the policy environment surrounding interventions with folic acid, including supplementation and fortification. This enables countries to make informed decisions to improve folate status in their populations as a way to reduce the risk of folate-sensitive NTDs. Understanding the international conventions and legislations developed based on research conducted by reputable organizations such as the United Nations, Nutrition International (NI), the International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus (IF, )the Food Fortification Initiative (FFI), and Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) will help decision-makers and health officials implement successful prevention strategies and folic acid fortification programs.

This brief was developed in partnership with the International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. The Folate Task Team would like to express its gratitude to Lieven Bauwens, Martine Austin, and Renée Jopp for their contributions.