Background
The World Health Organization (WHO) is developing a new guideline on milk fortification with vitamins and minerals in public health to provide evidence-informed recommendations on the use of milk fortification as a public health intervention to improve micronutrient status and related health outcomes.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies remain a major public health concern and can have profound effects on health, cognitive development and education. As these deficiencies are largely preventable and treatable, countries require effective strategies to improve micronutrient intake. Milk and dairy products may provide a suitable vehicle for fortification due to their widespread consumption and established distribution systems, particularly for population groups with increased nutrient requirements or at higher risk of deficiency, including infants and young children, school-age children, pregnant and lactating women, and older adults.
The first meeting of the Guideline Development Group (GDG) will be held virtually (by invitation only) on 15 September 2026. The GDG will advise WHO throughout the development of the guideline. The meetings will take place throughout 2026 and 2027, with meetings held virtually and, where feasible, in person.
The new guideline will support WHO regional and country offices, Member States and partners in making evidence-informed decisions on the use of milk fortification as a public health intervention and in designing and implementing fortification programmes.
Guideline Development Group members
In accordance with WHO guideline development procedures, the names and brief biographies of the GDG members are being made publicly available for comment.
List of experts with biographies.
The GDG members are participating in the meeting on their individual capacity and the affiliations are presented only as a reference. The biographies have been provided by the experts themselves and are the sole responsibility of the individuals concerned.
Interested individuals and organizations are invited to review the biographies and submit any comments on the proposed GDG members by 1 September 2026 to fortification@who.int.
Note
Comments and perceptions brought to the knowledge of WHO are an integral component of WHO’s Conflicts of Interest assessment policy as to strengthen public trust and transparency in connection with WHO meetings involving the provision of technical/normative advice. Comments and perceptions will be carefully reviewed and treated confidentially. The comments will not be published and will be kept in record for three years.
The participation of an expert in a WHO meeting does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the World Health Organization, nor does it create a binding relationship between the expert and WHO.