UK commitments to nutrition welcome – but must be backed by sustained investment

The Power of Nutrition welcomes the UK Government’s refreshed commitments following the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit in March earlier this year. The focus on integrating nutrition across the UK’s development portfolio and improving accountability through annual reporting to 2030 is a positive and necessary step towards addressing malnutrition at scale.

Sustained progress against malnutrition, however, requires sustained investment. The absence of a financial commitment risks limiting the reach and impact of these pledges at a time when global needs are increasing. The UK has played a pivotal role in shaping the global nutrition agenda over the past decade, and continued leadership and investment are vital to preserve and build on that legacy.

We urge the UK Government to protect aid that supports children’s health, nutrition and wellbeing, and to ensure future commitments are underpinned by adequate resources. Over 45% of deaths among children under five are linked to undernutrition. Yet, investing in nutrition is one of the most cost-effective ways to drive human and economic development - every £1 invested delivers up to £16 in returns, while saving and improving millions of lives.

Evidence shows that well-funded nutrition interventions save lives and strengthen communities. We urge the UK Government and its partners to ensure these pledges are backed by the resources necessary to make a real difference.