Mandatory food fortification in the eastern Mediterranean region results in reduced prevalence of neural tube defects

Despite strong evidence supporting mandatory folic acid fortification as an effective NTD prevention strategy, significant implementation and monitoring challenges persist in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Strengthening surveillance systems, improving data quality, and enhancing multisectoral collaboration are critical to translating policy commitments into measurable health outcomes. By integrating epidemiological evidence with implementation insights, this analysis identifies priority areas for improving regional fortification efforts and contributes to broader global strategies aimed at reducing the burden of NTDs.