Biofortification of crops is being introduced in several countries as a strategy to reduce micronutrient deficiencies. Biofortified products, with increased contents of micronutrients, are currently produced by conventional plant breeding, genetic modification, or nutrient-enhanced fertilization. Corn, rice, wheat, beans, pearl millet, sweet potato, and cassava have been biofortified with increased contents of provitamin A carotenoids, iron, or zinc. However, regulatory considerations are rare or nonexistent. The objective of this paper is to review the regulatory framework for production and marketing of biofortified crops in countries that have adopted this strategy. The information was identified using Internet search engines and websites of health and nutrition organizations and nongovernmental organizations and by consulting scientists and government authorities. Thus far, biofortified products introduced in Latin America, Africa, and Asia have been produced only by conventional breeding. Cultivars using other techniques are still under testing. The production and marketing of these products have been conducted without regulatory framework and under limited government control or regulatory guidance. Nevertheless, some countries have integrated biofortified crops into their nutrition agendas. Although improvements by conventional breeding have not been subject to regulations, when biofortification becomes expanded by including other techniques, an appropriate regulatory framework will be necessary.

More than three in 10 people living in Jordan are immigrants, with the majority being Palestinian and Syrian refugees, who have a very similar non-communicable diseases (NCDs) profile to the hosting Jordanian community. We conducted a rapid review of the literature of studies, reports, and documents on the evidence of the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable populations in Jordan with regard to NCD during the first year of the pandemic. COVID-19-related mobility constraints and often lack of awareness of NCDs put additional burden on vulnerable populations like refugees and migrants, in particular on non-registered migrants. COVID-19 pandemic and associated mitigation measures led to disruption in routine health services, significantly impacting people living with NCDs. Ensuring to deliver a people-centered and inclusive approach that works well during COVID-19 is of paramount importance toward Universal Health Coverage (all people have access to the health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship).

BACKGROUND: Article 11 of WHO-FCTC strategies emphasize the need for countries to include health warnings on packages of tobacco products. This study aims to assess Jordanian people, aged 13 years and above knowledge and beliefs about the inclusion of health warning labels on waterpipe tobacco packages. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional approach was conducted among youth and adults aged 13 years and above. The sample was recruited from public schools, universities, and a governmental public service agency. Data collection was done through an electronic survey using Tablets. RESULTS: A total of 1067 participated in the study, with ages ranging between 13– 63 years old with a mean (20.9, SD= ± 6.1). Study participants mainly consisted of students making (86.7%) of the total sample. These students were in secondary education school (19.3%) or attending university (67.4%). Findings indicated that participants tobacco smoking status were non-smokers, single type smoker, dual smoker, and triple smokers (67.8%, 21.6%, 6.8%, and 3.7% respectively). In comparison the prevalence of smoking single tobacco type, dual smoking, and triple smokers tobacco products was statistically higher among males than females (11.1%-10.6%, 5.1%-1.8%, and 3.1%-0.7% respectively). Eighty-seven percent knew that waterpipe smoking is harmful and would support the inclusion of health warnings on the tobacco packet. Thirty percent indicated that the inclusion of health warnings will greatly improve their knowledge of the harmful effects of tobacco smoking. CONCLUSION: The current study shows that participants believe including health warnings on waterpipe tobacco package would help smokers to think about quitting.

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