Thank you for providing an opportunity to comment on this important document.
The document does mention the need for multisectoral action to address malnutrition (both under and over nutrition) but from paragraph 12 down, including the section on commitments to action, the text only makes reference to food as the area of focus in preventing malnutrition. The document could be strengthened by including actions in health and other sectors such as water, sanitation and hygiene promotion. Also, the formulation of the first commitment to action (a) leaves out micronutrient deficiency (where food and food fortification, including biofortification, has a key role to play) and does not mention adolescents as a target group and there is no reference to the 1000 day window). There is very little mentioning on the role of the private sector and research institutions and UNICEF, WFP and REACH are not mentioned as key actors in supporting governments in developing, implementing and monitoring their national nutrition plans (point 14 under commitments to action). The SUN movement is also not mentioned.
In short, I believe the document could gain from better reflecting that food security is necessary but not sufficient for nutrition security.
Disclaimer: The comment above is an expression of my personnel views and should not be seen as an expression of the view of UNICEF.
Ms. Kristine Dandanell Garn
Thank you for providing an opportunity to comment on this important document.
The document does mention the need for multisectoral action to address malnutrition (both under and over nutrition) but from paragraph 12 down, including the section on commitments to action, the text only makes reference to food as the area of focus in preventing malnutrition. The document could be strengthened by including actions in health and other sectors such as water, sanitation and hygiene promotion. Also, the formulation of the first commitment to action (a) leaves out micronutrient deficiency (where food and food fortification, including biofortification, has a key role to play) and does not mention adolescents as a target group and there is no reference to the 1000 day window). There is very little mentioning on the role of the private sector and research institutions and UNICEF, WFP and REACH are not mentioned as key actors in supporting governments in developing, implementing and monitoring their national nutrition plans (point 14 under commitments to action). The SUN movement is also not mentioned.
In short, I believe the document could gain from better reflecting that food security is necessary but not sufficient for nutrition security.
Disclaimer: The comment above is an expression of my personnel views and should not be seen as an expression of the view of UNICEF.