Assessment of Folate Levels for Women of Reproductive Age in Dar Es Salaam as an Impact Indicator for the National Food Fortification Program in Tanzania.

The objective of this study was to undertake a proxy evaluation of the national food fortification program; through clinic-based assessment of folate levels in women of reproductive age. AAPH enrolled 636 women who had 12 months of follow up within 10 sites in Dar es Salaam.  Through this project, we have strengthened the Management and Development for Health (MDH) reference lab in Dar es Salaam with an e-411 Cobas machine and training related micronutrient assessment. Findings from this study were presented at the Micronutrient Forum Global Conference in October 2016 in Mexico. Overall, the study found high rates of folate deficiency among women of reproductive age and that Folate fortification reduces risk of folate deficiency.