SFDA Designated as WHO Regional Centre for Nutrition Collaboration

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially designated the SFDA as its Regional Centre for Nutrition Collaboration for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, which includes 22 countries. This prestigious recognition reflects SFDA’s leadership in implementing impactful food and nutrition policies. Key Highlights Purpose of the Designation: To enhance public health, improve quality of life, and reduce non-communicable diseases through better nutrition. To support WHO Member States in implementing key nutrition strategies. Core Focus Areas: Reducing salt and sugar consumption. Eliminating partially hydrogenated oils from food products. Restricting marketing of low-nutritional value foods to children. Developing a regional nutritional database for evidence-based policymaking. Saudi Arabia’s Achievements: Recognized as a global leader in eliminating partially hydrogenated oils. Among the first countries to effectively reduce salt intake through legislation. Received a certificate of recognition from WHO. Leads an international working group to replicate its success globally. Support from WHO: Provision of scientific and technical expertise. Access to guidance tools, reference materials, and training content. Strategic Initiatives: Organizing policy development workshops for decision-makers. Monitoring and evaluating nutrition progress. Forming expert teams and task forces. Creating a regional framework and action plan. Alignment with Saudi Vision 2030: The initiative supports the Health Sector Transformation Program, a key component of Vision 2030.