79th WHA Individual Statements
Agenda Item: 15.4. Maternal, infant and young child nutrition
Individual Statement - Document A79/5
Chair, Distinguished Delegates,
GSCF welcomes the progress reported under A79/26 and particularly notes the explicit recognition of micronutrient supplementation in the 2025 WHO topical briefs as essential to staying on track with the Global Nutrition 2030 targets. Vitamin and mineral supplementation is a high-impact, cost-effective public health investment:
1. Equity & Inclusion — supports vulnerable groups, including pregnant women,[GU1.1] and children, as well as persons of older age
2. UHC Contribution — lowers healthcare costs through preventive use
3. NCD Prevention — iron, folate, iodine and calcium reduce anaemia, maternal mortality and preterm birth, lowering lifelong NCD risk
4. Health System Resilience — strengthens population immunity and crisis preparedness
Vitamins, minerals and supplements are evidence-based self-care products that complement fortification and support health across all life stages.
Thank you.