#FFI20: Glen Maberly

Founder and Former Director of Food Fortification Initiative (2002-2009)

FFI: How did you become interested in nutrition?

Maberly: When I was a medical student, I did a summer experience in Borneo. When I arrived with our fly-in clinics I noticed that virtually everyone in the village had a large swelling in their neck called goiter. I knew that was related to iodine deficiency. But it started me on a journey, returning to Borneo for about 10 years to investigate and work on solutions to make iodine more available for that population.

FFI: What inspired you to become involved with food fortification?

Maberly: I was the executive director of FFI until 2009. Over that time [2002-2009], we saw the amount of the world's flour that is fortified grow to 30%. Our goal with flour fortification was to reduce iron and folic acid deficiency and make flour fortification the norm in flour milling. I was then involved in jumpstarting a global initiative on the fortification of rice, which meant we changed the name from Flour Fortification Initiative to what it is today: Food Fortification Initiative.

FFI: How is your country prioritizing fortification?

Maberly: [Prioritizing fortification in] Australia and New Zealand was a real struggle because some in the milling industry decided to oppose fortification. Persistence by local health champions like Lyall Thurston from the disability sector in New Zealand has paid off.

FFI: In your experience, what are the main components to a successful fortification program?

Maberly: The adoption of mandatory fortification legislation because it involves many sectors and public, private, and civic collaborations.

FFI: What can we do as a society to continue strengthening fortification efforts?

Maberly: The most important thing to be aware of is the size and magnitude of the problem and to bring together a commitment from the highest level of government and all involved sectors to respond.

FFI: Is there anything else you would like to share?

Maberly: I would like to wish FFI a good celebration for the 20th anniversary and encourage them to press on and continue sustaining this solution [to prevent micronutrient malnutrition].

This interview is part of the #FFI20 Champions campaign, a celebration of fortification heroes who have helped build a smarter, stronger, and healthier world by strengthening fortification programs over the past 20 years. To read interviews with other champions, visit the #FFI20 Champions campaign homepage.