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Kathmandu, Nepal – A new report from the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) underscores a pressing global health challenge: poor quality diets are not only a leading cause of disease but also a significant contributor to malnutrition worldwide. The “2024 Global Food Policy Report: Food Systems for Healthy Diets and Nutrition,” launched in Kathmandu, highlights that improving diets could potentially save one in five lives each year.
The comprehensive report, which involved 41 researchers from IFPRI and its partner organizations, reveals alarming statistics about global nutrition. Over two billion people suffer from micronutrient deficiencies, and approximately 40% of adults are either overweight or obese. The report also highlights severe issues among children under five, with 148 million affected by stunting and 48 million categorized as underweight.
During the report launch, Johan Swinnen, Director General of IFPRI, emphasized the importance of focusing on the availability, accessibility, affordability, and desirability of healthy foods to ensure sustainable diets for all. “To combat the global nutrition crisis, we need to make nutritious food not only available but also affordable and desirable for everyone,” Swinnen stated.
Purnima Menon, Senior Director for Food and Nutrition Policy at IFPRI, further stressed that poor-quality diets are the leading cause of disease and malnutrition worldwide. “Addressing the nutritional quality of diets can have a profound impact on global health, potentially saving millions of lives each year,” Menon said.
The report also highlights a significant issue in South Asia, where over two billion people cannot afford a healthy diet. Avinash Kishore, Senior Research Fellow at IFPRI, pointed out that improving the affordability and accessibility of nutritious foods is crucial for tackling malnutrition in the region.
To address these challenges, the report suggests that South Asian countries should consider switching to direct cash transfers for food subsidies. This approach could reduce government costs, minimize market distortions, and offer consumers a wider range of food choices compared to traditional rice and wheat subsidies. Devesh Roy, a senior IFPRI research fellow and trade economist, advocated for opening food markets to increase the variety of available food products.
Additionally, the report calls for a shift in agricultural and food policies to prioritize non-staple foods. This change is seen as a way to improve nutrition and reduce poverty in South Asia. “By promoting a diverse range of nutritious foods, we can enhance dietary quality and drive economic benefits,” the report concludes.
The “2024 Global Food Policy Report” is a crucial call to action for policymakers and stakeholders worldwide to address the urgent need for better nutrition and healthier food systems. As the global community grapples with increasing rates of malnutrition and diet-related diseases, this report provides valuable insights and recommendations for fostering a healthier future.
