How data address malnutrition, promote healthy diets, by GAIN

The importance of data for evidence-based policy-making and targeted interventions to address malnutrition and promote healthy diets has been highlighted by the Director, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) Nigeria, Michael Ojo.

He spoke at the launch of the 2024 Global Food Policy Report jointly held by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and GAIN, with the theme, “Improving food system for healthy diets and nutrition in Nigeria.”

Ojo said the conference was to advance nutrition outcomes and improve the consumption of safe food by Nigerians.

He noted that urgent efforts were needed to support governments and stakeholders at all levels -from global to local -in leveraging Nigeria’s Subnational Food Systems Dashboard and other data sources.

“This will guide national nutrition plans, identify effective entry points for improving diets, set realistic goals for transforming food systems, and navigate trade-offs to combat malnutrition and foster healthier diets,” said.

The report indicated that the increase in the double burden of malnutrition coupled with climate change has brought global attention to the need to transform food systems to support sustainable healthy diets.

Healthy diets, according to the document, provide the nutrients needed for an active, healthy life, and sustainable healthy diets further take into account the environmental impacts of diets.

“Diets in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), which are often heavily cereal-based are rapidly evolving to include higher consumption of ultra-processed foods, over-consumption of animal source foods (ASF),” Ojo observed.

The report, which he described as a timely contribution and global commitment to Improving nutrition, has risen in recognition of the potential of healthy diets to improve human and planetary well-being.

“The 2024 GFPR examines approaches to addressing poor diets and nutrition from the demand and supply sides, and through better governance,” he added.