Objective and scope of the 2024 update

The book addresses the global malnutrition crisis by expanding on the 2017 framework. It focuses on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2.2 and includes new interventions, such as small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) and multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS). The scope now covers low birthweight (LBW) and obesity, in addition to stunting and wasting. The report integrates new evidence on policy measures, while focusing on the intersection of nutrition with climate change and gender.

Maternal and child nutrition trends

Global child stunting rates have decreased by 44% from 1990 to 2022, yet 148 million children remain stunted. Wasting continues to affect 45 million children, with more than half of these cases concentrated in South Asia. In addition, 39.8% of children and 30% of women globally suffer from anaemia. Low birthweight affects 1 in 7 children globally, and maternal micronutrient deficiencies remain high, with more than 1.2 billion women deficient in iron, zinc, or folate. Obesity rates have also risen significantly, with 45% of adults classified as overweight or obese. These trends indicate a need for stronger interventions to address malnutrition.

Safeguarding human capital amid a global food and nutrition crisis

Nutrition is critical for human capital development. Undernutrition and obesity are significant factors in low Human Capital Index (HCI) scores, limiting future productivity. African countries have an HCI score below 0.40, while South Asia averages 0.48. This reflects low future productivity in these regions. Addressing malnutrition is essential for improving human capital, especially as the ongoing crises—such as the COVID-19 pandemic and rising food prices—continue to exacerbate food insecurity and malnutrition globally.

Exploring the intersection of nutrition, climate change, and gender: shared burdens, shared benefits

Nutrition, climate change, and gender are interconnected, with each factor compounding the others. Drought and climate variability increase rates of wasting and stunting, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Women are disproportionately affected due to their roles in agriculture and caregiving, making them more vulnerable to malnutrition and climate impacts. The report suggests that investments in climate adaptation should also address nutrition outcomes. For example, integrating climate-sensitive policies into nutrition strategies can create shared benefits.

Interventions that address all forms of malnutrition

Key high-impact interventions include prenatal supplements like MMS and iron-folic acid supplementation (I/IFA) to reduce low birthweight and maternal anaemia. Child-focused interventions such as kangaroo mother care (KMC) and breastfeeding support have proven effective in reducing neonatal mortality and improving growth. School nutrition programmes, including deworming and fortified meals, are linked to reductions in childhood stunting and anaemia. These interventions need to be delivered across multiple sectors—health, education, and social protection—for maximum impact.

Policies and fiscal measures that address all forms of malnutrition

This chapter advocates for national nutrition policies that incorporate food systems, climate, and gender considerations. Fiscal policies, such as taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and subsidies for healthier food options, have been successful in promoting better nutrition. Saudi Arabia and Colombia serve as examples of countries that have implemented SSB taxes and other regulatory measures. The report also recommends repurposing agricultural subsidies to support healthier, more sustainable diets. Policy coherence across sectors is critical for these measures to succeed.

Costs, benefits, effectiveness, and efficiency of nutrition interventions

Achieving 90% coverage of key nutrition interventions will require an additional US$128 billion from 2025 to 2034, or roughly US$13 billion annually. Investments in nutrition provide a high return, with a benefit–cost ratio of 23:1. These investments could avert 6.2 million child deaths, reduce stunting by 27 million cases, and avert 77 million cases of anaemia. Optimising investments based on local needs and available resources can further enhance impact, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Fiscal policies targeting obesity, such as food labelling and advertising regulation, could yield up to US$5 in economic benefits for every dollar spent.

Scaling up nutrition actions: operational considerations

For scaling interventions, countries should focus on cross-sectoral delivery mechanisms and institutional strengthening. Health, education, and social protection platforms provide effective delivery channels for nutrition interventions. The report also highlights the importance of capacity building and evidence-based prioritisation. Countries that align their nutrition policies with broader public health and social welfare strategies will achieve more sustainable outcomes.

Financing the global nutrition targets: progress to date

While domestic and international funding for nutrition has increased, it remains insufficient to meet global targets. The report encourages governments and donors to explore innovative financing mechanisms, including leveraging private sector investments and repurposing public funds. Philanthropic financing is also identified as a potential source of funding for nutrition programmes. Governments must increase commitments to nutrition, especially in the lead-up to the 2025 Nutrition for Growth Summit, to close the funding gap and make meaningful progress on SDG 2.2.