Together for Nutrition: A call for multisectoral action on global malnutrition
On September 24, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) joined forces with a coalition of Nutrition for Growth (N4G) host governments, international agencies, and global nutrition networks at the "Together for Nutrition" event. Held on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly, this high-level event aimed to galvanize global efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through improved nutrition, particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger.
The "Together for Nutrition" initiative, in preparation for the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement Global Gathering in Rwanda and the N4G Summit in Paris, introduced a new model of collaboration featuring a "troika" of N4G stewards from past, present, and future hosts of the Summer Olympics. This innovative approach aims to foster stronger partnerships and accelerate progress in nutrition.
The event highlighted the alarming state of global malnutrition, drawing attention to the disproportionate impact on women and girls. It emphasized the urgent need for increased investment, stronger accountability, and the implementation of cost-effective interventions to address these challenges. Key outcomes of the event included the launch of the World Bank's Investment Framework for Nutrition 2024 and the Nourish Equality initiative, which aims to promote gender equality and nutrition outcomes.
As stated by Dr Francesco Branca, Director of the WHO Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, “This coalition marks an important milestone in our renewed commitment to tackle malnutrition, promote Essential Nutrition Actions in healthcare, and support equitable access to affordable, safe, and nutritious food. Going forward, we must capitalize on this momentum to ensure nutrition remains a top priority on the political and development agenda at global, regional, and country levels.”
Dr Francesco Branca, Director of the WHO Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, delivers remarks ©UNICEF
By convening stakeholders from various sectors and building political will, the "Together for Nutrition" event serves as a catalyst for future action. It sets the stage for the Paris Nutrition for Growth Summit in 2025 and the World Health Assembly's focus on the Global Nutrition Targets. This initiative aims to ignite a global movement, transforming commitments into action and paving the way for a healthier future for all.
View a full recording of the event livestream here.
Read the full press release.
For more details visit: https://www.who.int/news/item/07-10-2024-together-for-nutrition-a-call-for-multisectoral-action-on-global-malnutrition