Malnutrition Remains Pervasive Globally

WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#NutritionReport–A new report finds that malnutrition remains pervasive globally and has
not received the attention it deserves. The 2016 Global Nutrition Report
(GNR) was launched today in seven major capitals across the world,
including Washington, D.C.

Malnutrition affects 1 out of 3 people globally. The effects of
malnutrition include wasting, stunting, obesity, diabetes, and heart
disease. It is estimated to reduce the gross domestic product of
countries in Africa and Asia by 11 percent.

During the Washington, D.C., launch, which Bread for the World
co-hosted, the United States announced its new U.S. Government Global
Nutrition Coordination Plan 2016-2021. Bread believes the plan will help
U.S. agencies work together more effectively to achieve global nutrition
targets.

“We are delighted the United States has fulfilled a commitment made at
the 2013 Nutrition for Growth Summit and has released its global
nutrition coordination plan,” said Asma Lateef, director of Bread for
the World Institute. “The plan’s implementation will make it easier to
track investments in global nutrition programs.”

Good nutrition is a foundation for good health, education, and a
productive life. High levels of malnutrition put progress toward ending
hunger at risk. However, solutions to malnutrition exist and with
adequate funding can be quickly scaled up.

Unfortunately, the world has underinvested in nutrition, hampering
efforts to achieve the global nutrition targets set by the World Health
Assembly. “We hope the new global coordination plan will accelerate the
impact of existing U.S. investments in nutrition,” said Lateef.

According to the global nutrition report, ending the malnutrition crisis
will require a three-fold increase in funding. Bread’s 2016 Offering of
Letters campaign calls for the U.S. to double its funding for its
international nutrition programs. While this is not enough, it is a down
payment with a very high return on investment.

“We hope leaders everywhere heed the GNR’s call to make ‘SMART’
commitments that are ‘specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and
time-bound.’ This is key to accountability. The U.S.’s global nutrition
coordination plan begins to do that, but needs to be bolstered with new
resources,” said Lateef.

Bread for the World (www.bread.org)
is a collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision makers to
end hunger at home and abroad.

Contacts

Bread for the World
Chris Ford, 202-688-1077
cford@bread.org