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  • Publication | 2021
Micronutrient Deficiencies in the Palestinian Territories: Identifying the Bottlenecks of Anemia Prevention and Control and Assessing the Feasibility of an Oil Fortification Program
Global Food and Nutrition Security

The poor nutritional status of the Palestinian population is worrying, with a high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies among groups for whom good nutrition is particularly important, such as children under five years old and pregnant and postnatal women.

The MOH asked the World Bank for help to identify the factors hindering improvement in micronutrient levels and to find practical, innovative solutions, adapted to the local context. Two detailed assessments were conducted by the World Bank between 2019 and 2021 (1) to identify the bottlenecks in anemia prevention and control programs and (2) to examine the feasibility of an edible oil fortification program.

These two multi-sectoral assessments were conducted to answer key questions, such as food consumption, supply chain systems, consumer behavior, market distribution, and service delivery systems. The findings from the assessments illustrate the large numbers of Palestinians with persistent micronutrient deficiencies. The actions proposed by the World Bank team can improve the coverage and quality of interventions in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Recommendations

  1. The assessment results highlight the burden of persistent micronutrient deficiencies and actions that can be taken to improve the coverage and quality of interventions in the PT.

  2. While the report identifies challenges and opportunities based on readily available data, collection of more recent data on biomarkers and dietary intake is necessary.

  3. To improve the quality and coverage of APC interventions, the existing service delivery system needs to be strengthened.

  4. Edible oil fortification is a potential additional platform for improving micronutrient deficiencies.

  5. Opportunities for strengthening the demand and uptake of micronutrient supplements and fortified products exist within ongoing World Bank projects.

  6. At the request of the MoH, the World Bank will continue to provide additional technical and financial support in materializing recommendations from the assessment results.