2020 Global nutrition report: action on equity to end malnutrition
Renata Micha, Venkatesh Mannar, Ashkan Afshin, Lorena Allemandi, Phillip Baker, Jane Battersby, Zulfiqar A Bhutta, Kevin Chen, Camilla Corvalan, Mariachiara Di Cesare, Carmel Dolan, Jorge Fonseca, Chika Hayashi, Cynthia Rosenzweig, Dominic Schofield, Laurence M. Grummer‐Strawn
Abstract
The Global Nutrition Report calls on governments, businesses and civil society to step up efforts to address malnutrition in all its forms and tackle injustices in food and health systems. Everyone deserves access to healthy, affordable food and quality nutrition care. This access is hindered by deeper inequities that arise from unjust systems and processes that structure everyday living conditions. This year’s Global Nutrition Report uses the concept of nutrition equity to elucidate these inequities and show how they determine opportunities and barriers to attaining healthy diets and lives, leading to unequal nutrition outcomes. We examine the global burden of malnutrition with an equity lens to develop a fuller understanding of nutrition inequalities. In doing this, we pinpoint and prioritise key actions to amplify our efforts and propel progress towards ending malnutrition in all its forms. The Global Nutrition Report calls for a pro-equity agenda that mainstreams nutrition into food systems and health systems, supported by strong financing and accountability. With only five years left to meet the 2025 global nutrition targets, time is running out. We must focus action where the need is greatest for maximum impact.