Oman takes policy action to combat trans-fatty acids
This case study highlights Oman’s effort in combatting trans-fatty acids. In 2022, Oman issued a ban on the production, import and/or marketing of partially hydrogenated oils and food products in which these oils are used. The ban was issued by the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries and Water Resources, and it came into effect on 24 July 2022. The decision was expected, given that the problem of high trans-fatty acid intake among the Omani population was highlighted in the National Nutrition Strategy 2020–2030, where such a measure was also proposed.
Strengthening nutrition surveillance to guide the management of wasting in Sudan
This case study discusses malnutrition in all its forms, which has been a public health problem in Sudan for the past three decades, leading to wasting, stunting, increased vulnerability to infectious and noncommunicable diseases, reduced quality of life, and increased risk of early death. It also highlights the importance of nutrition surveillance, which allows early warning, prevention and management of all forms of malnutrition. Additionally, it focuses on the strategic investments made by WHO and fellow United Nations agencies, non-State actors, communities, and the Government of Sudan to build and sustain a fully functional nutrition surveillance system in Sudan, which is estimated to benefit 1.8 million children and women annually, accelerating progress toward 2030 targets.
WHO maintains support to stabilization centres to save innocent lives in Syria
This case study highlights WHO’s effort to support under-nourished children in Syria. Severe acute malnutrition is a life-threatening condition that requires urgent treatment. The developmental, economic and medical impacts of malnutrition are serious and long-lasting for individuals, their families and the country as a whole. In 2020, WHO took the lead in supporting 25 stabilization centres in the country, 4 of which are in northeast Syria, where nutrition surveillance continues to expand. The case study also focuses on the importance of concerted efforts in the prevention of child malnutrition to ensure that mothers are well-nourished and provided with adequate health services, as well as a clean and safe environment.