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Why do we need a UN Decade of Action on Nutrition?
Ending hunger and all forms of malnutrition is among the most urgent and pervasive development-related challenges. Most countries are burdened by several forms of malnutrition, such as undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, overweight and obesity, as well as diet-related NCDs including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and some types of cancer. The various forms of malnutrition may co-exist within the same country, community, household or person.
Many families are unable to afford sufficient, diverse and nutritious foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts and animal-source foods, while energy-dense processed foods and drinks that are high in fat, sugar and/or salt are often cheaper and more readily available.
Governments are currently off-track to meet the global nutrition and diet-related NCD targets. The Nutrition Decade highlights the urgency to act and provides a focused period of 10 years to set and achieve impact at country level, with an accessible, transparent and global framework for tracking progress and ensuring mutual accountability for the commitments made.
How will the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition make a difference?
The Nutrition Decade provides an unprecedented opportunity to propagate society-wide movements for national policy change to end all forms of malnutrition, in all countries.
The Nutrition Decade facilitates alignment of on-going efforts of countries and all stakeholders and calls for an acceleration of policy actions across six action areas which are derived from the ICN2 commitments and recommendations:
- Sustainable, resilient food systems for healthy diets.
- Aligned health systems providing universal coverage of essential nutrition actions.
- Social protection and nutrition education.
- Trade and investment for improved nutrition.
- Safe and supportive environments for nutrition at all ages.
- Strengthened governance and accountability for nutrition.
The Nutrition Decade puts the spotlight on nutrition at the highest political level through regular reporting to the UN General Assembly and the Governing Bodies of FAO and WHO, using coordinating mechanisms such as UN Nutrition and engaging the Committee on World Food Security and other relevant intergovernmental bodies and multistakeholder forums.
What is the Work Programme for the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition?
The Work Programme for the Nutrition Decade is a key document and identifies mechanisms through which Member States and other committed stakeholders should collaborate to achieve the aims of the Nutrition Decade.
The Work Programme was identified and developed in 2016-2017 by the joint FAO/WHO Secretariat of the Nutrition Decade according to the mandate given by the UN General Assembly in its Resolution 70/259 and taking into account World Health Assembly Resolution 69/8, through an inclusive and collaborative process, building upon and connecting initiatives of governments and their many partners. This also included an online consultation.
The Work Programme describes the Nutrition Decade’s aims, added value and guiding principles. It also presents its key areas for priority action (action areas); modalities of engagement and roles of Member States and other stakeholders; mechanisms and tools for driving action (means of implementation); and an accountability framework.
The means of implementation of the Nutrition Decade through its Work Programme include, for instance:
- The submission to FAO and WHO by Member States of their specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART) commitments for action.
- The convening of action networks, i.e. informal coalitions of countries aimed at advocating for the establishment of policies and legislation, allowing the exchange of practices, highlighting successes and providing mutual support to accelerate implementation.
- The convening of forums for planning, sharing knowledge, recognizing success, voicing challenges and promoting collaboration.