INVESTMENT ROUND: IMPACT STORY

Strengthening Ukraine’s capacity for trans fat elimination

Path to wellness amidst conflict

Industrially produced trans fatty acids (TFAs) are detrimental to health as they elevate “bad” cholesterol levels, increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and have adverse effects on metabolic and inflammatory processes.

In 2020, in line with WHO’s call for global elimination of trans fatty acids, Ukraine adopted stringent regulations to remove trans fat from the nation's food supply over three years.

Scheduled to take effect in October 2023, Ukraine faced formidable challenges in ensuring their smooth and effective implementation given the context of full-scale war since February 2022.

Budgetary constraints, limited laboratory capacities for TFA analysis, limited technical expertise and a diminished skilled workforce as a result of immigration and conscription into the armed forces, amongst other challenges, underscored the complexities of ensuring effective implementation and enforcement of the policy's objectives.

In a proactive move to bolster its laboratory capabilities, Ukraine received vital technical assistance supported by WHO Europe and Resolve to Save Lives. This assistance encompassed an intensive six-day on-site training and enhanced the nation's capacity to monitor and enforce regulatory measures.

The 'zero' trans fat policy is designed to safeguard Ukrainians from a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases.

In prioritizing TFA elimination, despite the ongoing complexities of war and consequent challenges, Ukraine not only showcases resilience but also sets a global precedent. This underscores the country’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the health of its citizens and inspiring hope for the future.

“We congratulate Ukraine on its efforts and encourage all countries in the Region to act as we move towards a TFA-free Region and prevent hundreds and thousands of unnecessary deaths each year.” expressed Kremlin Wickramasinghe, Regional Adviser for Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, WHO Regional Office for Europe.

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Return on investment

A fully funded WHO will support Member States to promote health and save an additional 4 million lives by addressing risks factors impacting determinants of health.

Strengthening Ukraine’s capacity to eliminate trans fatty acids is an example of WHO delivering to priority risk factors for noncommunicable and communicable diseases, violence and injury, and poor nutrition reduced through multisectoral approaches, contributing to WHO’s Fourteenth General Programme of Work (GPW 14), strategic objective 2.2.

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