The global nutrition challenge…

Malnutrition in all its forms is the leading cause of ill health and death in the world. It also has dire economic consequences. For example, malnutrition is responsible for an 11 percent loss of gross domestic product annually in Africa.

Undernourished people are more at risk of COVID-19 due to weakened immune systems. Obesity and diabetes are linked to increased risk of death from the virus. Measures to prevent contagion could double the number of people in the world facing acute hunger.

Preventing malnutrition improves health and saves lives. It also boosts economies and public services. Every dollar invested in reducing stunting generates an economic return of US$18 in high-burden countries.

N4D believes that with strong political leadership, adequate financial investments and proven technical solutions it is entirely possible to accelerate reductions in malnutrition.

The people most affected by malnutrition must be directly involved in the decisions and actions that affect their lives from local to global levels.

There is a need for a massive increase in investments in frontline service delivery capacities, especially in communities most at risk.

Businesses need to be incentivised to contribute to people’s access to healthy diets and nutrition.

Commitment to good nutrition must be a priority across government sectors and translated into policies, resources and service delivery.

Knowledge on the most effective and sustainable public, private and civil society actions needs to be more widely shared and accessible.

The global multilateral system must be strengthened to promote cooperation between countries and address drivers of malnutrition that cannot be dealt with by individual nations on their own.