In Africa, some 63 million children suffer from stunted growth, and another 13 million face other forms of malnutrition. In Asia, the crisis is even greater as global agricultural production is devastated by floods and other extreme weather events.
East African nations are mobilizing resources to meet this growing challenge and transform the lives of some of their most vulnerable citizens.
"This alarming reality, compounded by conflicts, climate change, and economic challenges, reinforces our determination to find effective solutions," said Professor Julio Rakotonirina, Director for Health and Humanitarian Affairs at the African Union Commission. "We are better together in this fight against malnutrition."
To do this, they have joined the rest of the regions to kickstart the process towards the adoption of the Multisectoral Nutrition Policy Framework and Investment Target. Recently unveiled at a high-level regional consultation meeting in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, this event brought together experts from the health, agriculture, education, and finance sectors to tackle a crisis threatening the continent's future.
The African Development Bank is also committed. It has already channelled $2.8 billion into nutrition programmes across 18 African countries, with plans to reduce childhood stunting by 40% by 2025.
The situation is particularly dire in Eastern Africa. "Close to 6 million children under five years old in the COMESA region were stunted or wasted in 2021," revealed Yvonne Kinyanjui from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). "Undernutrition particularly affects our most vulnerable populations--women, children, and adolescents."
The two-day consultation, held from September 30 - October 1, 2024, focused on four crucial priorities:
- Creating sustainable funding mechanisms for nutrition programmes
- Developing comprehensive regional nutrition strategies
- Strengthening cooperation among governments, organizations, and communities
- Preparing the region's position for the upcoming Nutrition for Growth Summit.
Abdul Aziz Bangura, Principal Country Program Officer for Tanzania at the African Development Bank, speaking on behalf of country manager Patricia Laverley, highlighted the impact of the Bank's Banking on Nutrition project: "These investments are projected to improve nutrition for more than 14 million people, particularly women and children."
Dr John J. Jingu, Permanent Secretary of Tanzania's Ministry of Health, emphasized the importance of implementing plans: "Nutrition, social protection, and water and sanitation are all interconnected. We must continue to build partnerships that leverage these connections to achieve sustainable progress. Our commitment is not just for today but for future generations."
The initiative is part of broader efforts by the African Development Bank's African Leaders for Nutrition and the African Union Commission to improve food quality and health across Africa. The strategies developed during this consultation will culminate in the development of a continent-wide Multisectoral Policy Framework and Investment Target document, which will shape nutrition policies throughout the continent, marking a crucial step toward healthier communities.
