UN Launches Initiative to Combat Malnutrition by 2030

The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has appointed 22 global leaders dedicated to combating all forms of malnutrition by the year 2030. These appointed leaders are part of the Leadership Group for the Scaling Up Nutrition Movement, an announcement made by the international organization's press service. Their primary role is to steer the movement's efforts towards the complete eradication of malnutrition in all its forms within the next decade.

The UN highlights a concerning statistic: nearly half of the global population, approximately three billion people, cannot afford a healthy diet. Furthermore, two-thirds of the world's children lack access to the varied diet necessary for their proper development.

"Without adequate nutrition, human development cannot occur. Every child deserves access to healthy, nutritious food to grow and reach their full potential" stated the UN chief during the announcement. He pointed out that currently, over one in ten people worldwide are facing severe food and nutritional insecurity.

Guterres emphasized the critical need for the Scaling Up Nutrition Movement's approach, which tackles malnutrition through a multisectoral and multi-stakeholder strategy tailored to each country. "These global leaders are championing the efforts of countries to enhance nutrition and achieve a malnutrition-free world for girls, boys, and their families by 2030" he remarked.

The Movement's Leadership Group members represent its participants, which include 65 countries, four Indian states, over 4,000 civil society organizations, 1,400 businesses, 16 UN specialized agencies, international financial institutions, donor governments, and philanthropic organizations supporting nutrition.

Since its inception in 2010, the Scaling Up Nutrition Movement has been committed to action and collaboration in nutrition. It assists countries in implementing policies and laws for a systematic approach that ensures every child, adolescent, mother, and family has access to nutritious food.

"The 65 countries involved in the Scaling Up Nutrition Movement are tirelessly working to keep nutrition high on their national agendas amidst escalating crises" said Afshan Khan, the Movement's Coordinator. She called for a renewed investment in leadership, resources, and collective action in national nutrition plans of member countries to adequately address all forms of malnutrition.