Our Actions Are Our Future. Healthy Diets For A Zero Hunger World
Sudan Celebrating World Food Day on 16thOctober 2019
On 16 October 2019, the Food and Agriculture Organizations of the United Nations celebrated the World Food Day, commemorating the 74th Anniversary of the foundation of our Organization, following its establishment on 16 October 1945 at the first FAO Conference held in Quebec, Canada. This year’s theme is “Our actions are our future. Healthy diets for a #ZeroHunger world.’’ The event took place at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Khartoum under the patronage of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
The event included an official ceremony alongside exhibition. Representatives from the Government, Diplomatic Corps, Private sectors and producers associations, joined the event.
‘’ Today marks a valuable opportunity to go hand-in-hand with our fight against hunger by sustainably addressing malnutrition and promoting healthy diets’’ said Ms Veronica Quattrola, FAO Deputy Representative.
Sudan has one of the highest level of acute food insecurity in the region
Around 6 million people are food insecure. Prices have increased beyond the means of most people, leading to reduced quantity and quality of meals. This has had a damaging impact on the nutritional status of families and individuals, making Sudan among the countries in the world with the highest rate of undernutrition
FAO is working closely with farmers, the Government of Sudan and key partners to increase and diversify food production by promoting food-based approaches to address malnutrition. One way that FAO does this is by strengthening capacities and raising awareness of the importance of a nutritionally diverse diet.
‘’ We need to address food insecurity holistically and incorporate nutrition-sensitive frameworks. Solutions rooted in food production can make a significant impact in addressing undernutrition. With more diversity and quality, we will be producing in a culturally appropriate manner. Other sectors such as media and private business have important role in defeating hunger’’ said by Ms Quattrola
To promote healthy diets, we must recognize individuals as the first catalyst of change. We need to rediscover the importance of fresh seasonal produce, cooking skills, traditional knowledge and local biodiversity. There are many healthy dietary choices in our traditional meals; and they need to be embraced and transferred to younger generations. “To master this, we need to remember we are all in this fight against hunger together” Ms Quattrola added.
