Field Story
2022: celebrating milestones, innovations and making a difference globally
December 30, 2022
This paper describes the most recent information on folate status in women of reproductive age and the most recent estimates of the prevalence of neural tube defects. We provide an overview of the available interventions worldwide to reduce the risk of neural tube defects aimed at improving folate status in the population, including dietary diversification, supplementation, education, and fortification. The paper also reviews the activities that need to be followed to establish a successful mandatory large scale food fortification program, and concludes with a call for action for countries to adopt this practice.