From farmers to chefs, from caretakers to politicians, women are the beating heart of our food systems and communities, playing multiple roles that nourish future generations and the planet. Anaemia is a global issue affecting pregnant women in the United Arab Emirates where I live and across the globe. Anaemic women are at greater risk of increased child and maternal death, as well as birthing babies with a low birth weight, who are at greater risk of childhood obesity.

Ingredients that help increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, and provide the nutrients needed for adolescent girls are foods rich in folate, such as: leafy greens, chickpeas and kidney beans, black-eyed beans, pinto beans and fava beans. Cereals are also a key source of folate, alongside traditional foods such as falafel, nabet soup and foul.

The Middle East is also home to large numbers of refugees and the conflict in Yemen is particularly devastating to children in their first 1,000 Days. Preventing malnutrition amongst pregnant/lactating women and young children, through eating a nutritious diet, rich in micronutrients, is crucial to prevent life-long and intergenerational consequences that are felt beyond nutrition.