An event showcasing highly nourishing fish-based solutions (dried small fish powders, noodles, snacks, and complementary foods) for addressing the growing problem of malnutrition in Myanmar and Zambia.

Date: Thursday, 3 November 2022

Time: 10:30-13:30 (UTC+8)

Venue: Hybrid/Summit Park View Hotel, Yangon, Myanmar

The development and marketing of food products enhanced with dried small fish offer a novel solution to address major nutritional problems that affect young children and women in many developing countries. Small fish are a nutritional powerhouse rich in vitamins and minerals that are important for growth and cognition. When added to food products, it increases micronutrient intake among the most vulnerable groups in low-and-middle-income countries, especially in Myanmar and Zambia. As part of our research work, WorldFish aims to significantly expand and scale up the availability of nutritious aquatic products, and some of the accompanying systems, that make them possible. 

In early 2022, the inaugural Seeding the Future Global Food Challenge hosted by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) awarded WorldFish, FedWell Foods and Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) for its 'Nutrient-rich small fish production, processing and marketing in Myanmar and Zambia (SPM)' project. The award-winning project also focused on delivering a healthy and affordable dietary option for small-scale actors and consumers in need, such as young children, and pregnant and lactating women through its homestead aquaculture production of sustainable, nutrient-rich small fish.

Now, WorldFish and our partners are ready to launch the highly nourishing fish-based solutions 'Happy Fish Food Products' under the SPM project, including dried small fish powders, noodles, snacks, and complementary foods, through a cooking demonstration event in Yangon, Myanmar. The session will be led by well-known Chefs from Myanmar who will prepare dishes made up of small indigenous fish species (SIS) and dried small fish powder to showcase the power of aquatic foods in delivering nutritious meals.

The event will also be accompanied by dialogues and discussions led by researchers, industry experts and civil society representatives from WorldFish, FedWell Foods, Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) and other partners to share pathways for addressing the growing problem of malnutrition in low-and-middle-income countries by further utilizing locally-sourced aquatic foods, especially small indigenous fish species, that offer transformative solutions to food systems.

Opening Remarks:

Michael Akester, Regional Director, South East Asia and Pacific, WorldFish

Shauna Mason, Business Development Manager, FedWell Foods

 

Keynote Address:

Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted, Global Lead, Nutrition and Public Health, WorldFish & 2021 World Food Prize Laureate

 

Introduction of Happy Fish Products:

Heather Morris, Project Manager, Development of Dried Small Fish Powder, FedWell Foods

 

Remarks from Partners:

Kyawt Thazin Oo, Nutrition Advocacy Advisor cum Programme Manager, SUN CSA

Zar Ni Htet Hlaing, National Coordinator, SUN Business Network

Aung Min Thaw, Project Management Assistant, Economic Growth Office, USAID & Activity Manager, Fish for Livelihoods Activity

Nang Lyan Zar, National Nutrition Specialist, LIFT/UNOPS

 

Cooking Demonstration:

Multiple ways of using the dried small fish powder

I CHEF Hsu Mon Hnin, Master Chef Winner, Myanmar

Cooking nutrient-rich small fish

I Myo Thanda Nwe, Sa Ba Street Food Tours

 

Closing Remarks and Next Steps:

Quennie Vi Rizaldo, Project Lead & Human Nutrition Specialist, WorldFish

 

Moderator:

Hsu Mon Aung, Research & Administrative Officer, WorldFish

 

Stay up to date with the latest information by following WorldFish and the hashtag #aquaticfoods to join the virtual dialogue on Twitter. 
 
We look forward to your active participation.