RESULTS is pleased to share its latest publication, “Improving Child Nutrition: An Investment in the Future“, which makes the case for an increase in nutrition financing.
Nutrition interventions address more than just the sensations of hunger (weakness & discomfort) that results from a lack of food. They combat the serious manifestations and consequences of prolonged involuntary access to food, such as undernutrition.
Undernutrition is the single largest killer of children globally. It is responsible for 2.6 million preventable child deaths each year. For millions more children, the consequences of undernutrition are lifelong and irreversible. Today, 165 million children are chronically malnourished (stunted), which can cause serious and irreversible physical and mental disabilities. This is likely to impact the cognitive ability, school performance and earning potential. Undernutrition can keep families locked in a cycle of poverty and poor health.
The economic costs, in terms of lost national productively and economic growth, are enormous. Countries can lose between one to three percent of their potential Gross Domestic Product (GDP) each year.
Yet the interventions are well known, cost effective and offer excellent returns on investment. In fact, the 2012 Copenhagen Consensus ranked nutrition specific interventions among the best development interventions in terms of value for money. For instance, if delivered to scale, 13 proven nutrition specific interventions could reduce stunting by one-third and child mortality by one-quarter, and at a benefit to cost ratio of 16 to 1.
It is essential that this year decision makers prioritise an increase in investment in nutrition. The June ‘Hunger Summit’, hosted by David Cameron, provides the opportunity to bring new energy to this neglected area and secure a healthy and prosperous future for millions of women, children and families.
Are you passionate about undernutrition and want to get involved? Why not Live Below the Line for RESULTS UK? We are working to change the policies, practices and beliefs that leave so many children without the food and nutrients that they need to live a full and healthy life. Through persistent campaigning we aim to change the situation for these children and help bring an end to hunger around the world. Challenging yourself to Live Below the Line could help RESULTS change this and give children across the world the start in life that they deserve.