In a groundbreaking effort to combat malnutrition across Africa, the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Development Bank Group’s African Leaders for Nutrition (ALN) initiative have joined forces to launch a transformative initiative aimed at revolutionizing nutrition policy and financing on the continent.
The ambitious endeavor kicked off with a two-day regional consultation for West Africa, held in Dakar, Senegal from August 19-20, 2024.
This landmark event marks the beginning of Africa’s journey towards creating its first-ever Multisectoral Nutrition Policy Framework (MNPF) and setting ambitious investment targets to eradicate malnutrition.
Experts from nine West African nations, alongside representatives from governments, civil society organizations, and global partners such as UNICEF and the World Food Programme, convened to gather critical data, build consensus on impactful interventions, and forge a path forward.
“Increased funding for nutrition starts with greater awareness of its importance by our leaders.”
Emphasized by Ibrahima Gueye, Director of Cabinet for the Prime Minister of Senegal, Ousmane Sonko, and President of the country’s National Council for Nutrition Development, during the opening ceremony.
“It is imperative that heads of state and government understand that every dollar invested in nutrition is a dollar invested in the future of our nations. However, this understanding must be followed by…stronger ownership of nutrition goals and a firm commitment to mobilising sustainable resources for nutrition and using funds in a timely and effective manner. This regional concertation marks a crucial step in this process.”
The initiative stems from a resolution passed during the African Union’s 41st Executive Council meeting in Lusaka, Zambia, in 2022, which called for the development of a comprehensive nutrition policy framework and an investment target to ensure sustainable funding for nutrition programs across Africa.
“This first regional consultation is a critical step towards developing a unified, continent-wide approach to nutrition policy and financing.
The insights gathered here will inform similar consultations across Africa, ultimately leading to a comprehensive framework to improve nutrition outcomes for millions across the continent.”
stated Gertrude Kara, the African Union Commission’s Technical Advisor for Nutrition Policy.
George Ouma, the ALN Coordinator at the African Development Bank, echoed this sentiment, adding,
“By bringing together experts from various sectors, we’re fostering a holistic approach to nutrition. This consultation will not only shape policies in West Africa but will also inform our continent-wide strategy for improving nutrition outcomes.”
As the first in a series of regional consultations planned for all five African regions, the Dakar event sets the stage for a continent-wide effort to address malnutrition. These consultations will culminate in the development of the multisectoral nutrition policy framework and investment targets, with the ultimate goal of ending malnutrition by 2030.
The consultations will also build momentum for the upcoming Nutrition for Growth Summit in France, a global event that convenes every four years in the Olympic host country to mobilize commitments and accelerate progress toward ending malnutrition.
Participants in Dakar pledged to work collaboratively to prioritize high-impact interventions across health, social protection, water and sanitation, education, and agriculture sectors, establishing a model for other regions to follow.
The African Leaders for Nutrition initiative, launched in 2018 and championed by African leaders, continues to galvanize political will and secure critical investments, paving the way for significant policy changes and cross-sector collaborations that are essential to ending malnutrition across the continent.
Join our Channel...