New alliance sparks hope for change

• Historically, efforts to combat malnutrition have often been siloed, with different sectors working in isolation.
• Despite the clear benefits of improving nutrition—both in terms of individual well-being and broader economic development—funding for nutrition initiatives has often been insufficient.
• A new approach seeks to break down these silos by promoting cross-sector collaboration and integrating nutrition into broader development strategies.

Malnutrition in Africa remains a persistent challenge, affecting millions of people and hindering the continent’s development. The African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Development Bank Group’s African Leaders for Nutrition (ALN) initiative, in collaboration with the government of Senegal, have launched a new effort to address this issue head-on.

This initiative, which has brought together key stakeholders from various sectors, aims to develop Africa’s first-ever Multisectoral Nutrition Policy Framework (MNPF) and an ambitious investment target to combat malnutrition across the continent. The recent regional consultation held in Dakar, Senegal, marks the beginning of this transformative journey.

A collaborative effort to tackle malnutrition

The inaugural two-day consultation for the West Africa region, held from August 19 to 20, 2024, in Dakar, Senegal, was a significant milestone in the fight against malnutrition. This event brought together a diverse group of experts and stakeholders, including representatives from nine West African countries—Senegal, Togo, Ghana, Nigeria, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Côte d’Ivoire.

The consultation also attracted participants from civil society organizations, UNICEF, the World Food Programme (WFP), the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement, the Canadian International Development Agency, and other key development partners.

This broad coalition reflects the recognition that malnutrition is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. By tapping experts in healthcare, nutrition, education, agriculture, and finance, the consultation aimed to foster a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities in addressing malnutrition.

The insights and recommendations generated during the event will inform the development of the MNPF and ensure its effective implementation across all sectors.

Significance of the Multisectoral Nutrition Policy Framework (MNPF)

The Multisectoral Nutrition Policy Framework (MNPF) represents a bold new approach to addressing malnutrition in Africa. Historically, efforts to combat malnutrition have often been siloed, with different sectors working in isolation. MNPF seeks to break down these silos by promoting cross-sector collaboration and integrating nutrition into broader development strategies.

At the heart of the MNPF is the recognition that nutrition is not just a health issue but a critical factor in achieving sustainable development. Malnutrition affects every aspect of society, from economic productivity to education outcomes and social stability.

By developing a comprehensive policy framework that addresses the root causes of malnutrition across multiple sectors, the MNPF aims to create a more coordinated and effective response to this challenge.

The consultation in Dakar marked the first step in this process. Participants worked together to gather data, build consensus on key interventions, and develop actionable recommendations. These efforts will lay the foundation for the MNPF, which will serve as a blueprint for countries across Africa as they work to improve nutrition outcomes and eliminate malnutrition.

Mobilizing resources and political will

One of the key themes that emerged during the consultation was the need for increased investment in nutrition. Despite the clear benefits of improving nutrition—both in terms of individual well-being and broader economic development—funding for nutrition initiatives has often been insufficient.

To address this gap, the MNPF will include an ambitious investment target aimed at mobilizing the resources needed to achieve significant progress in reducing malnutrition.

Ibrahima Gueye, Director of Cabinet for the Prime Minister of Senegal and President of the country’s National Council for Nutrition Development, underscored the importance of political will in achieving these goals.

Gueye stated, “Increased funding for nutrition starts with greater awareness of its importance by our leaders. It is imperative that heads of state and government understand that every dollar invested in nutrition is a dollar invested in the future of our nations.”

His words underscore the need for strong leadership and commitment at the highest levels of government to ensure that nutrition remains a priority.

The African Leaders for Nutrition (ALN) initiative, spearheaded by the African Development Bank, has been instrumental in galvanizing political will and securing critical commitments from governments across Africa. Since its official endorsement by the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government in January 2018, ALN has played a key role in driving policy changes and fostering cross-sector collaborations to improve nutrition outcomes.

The initiative’s success in securing these commitments highlights the importance of sustained advocacy and leadership in the fight against malnutrition.

Building momentum: The path ahead

The regional consultation in Dakar is just the beginning of a continent-wide effort to develop and implement the MNPF. Similar consultations will be held in other regions of Africa, each tailored to the specific challenges and opportunities in those areas.

These consultations will build on the insights and recommendations gathered in Dakar, ensuring that the MNPF reflects the diverse needs and contexts of countries across the continent.

George Ouma, the African Development Bank’s ALN Coordinator, highlighted the importance of this regional approach in his remarks: “By bringing together experts from various sectors, we’re fostering a holistic approach to nutrition. This consultation will not only shape policies in West Africa but will also inform our continent-wide strategy for improving nutrition outcomes.”

The regional consultations will also serve as a platform for sharing best practices and lessons learned, helping to create a model for other regions to follow.

In addition to shaping the MNPF, the consultations will also help drum up support for African countries to participate in the Nutrition for Growth Summit, scheduled to take place in France next year. This global event, held every four years in the Olympic host country, aims to mobilize commitments and accelerate progress toward ending malnutrition by 2030.

By participating in the summit, African countries can showcase their efforts, attract additional resources, and strengthen international partnerships in the fight against malnutrition.

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A Vision for the future: Ending malnutrition in Africa

The launch of the regional consultations and the development of the MNPF represents a huge step forward in the fight against malnutrition in Africa. By bringing together a broad coalition of stakeholders and adopting a multisectoral approach, the initiative aims to create lasting change and improve the lives of millions of people across the continent.

Gertrude Kara, the African Union Commission’s Technical Advisor for Nutrition Policy, captured the significance of this effort when she said, “This first regional consultation is a critical step towards developing a unified, continent-wide approach to nutrition policy and financing. The insights gathered here will inform similar consultations across Africa, ultimately leading to a comprehensive framework to improve nutrition outcomes for millions across the continent.”

The road ahead is challenging, but the commitment and collaboration demonstrated in Dakar offer hope for a brighter future. With the support of the African Union, the African Development Bank, and other key partners, the MNPF has the potential to transform nutrition policy and financing in Africa, ensuring that malnutrition becomes a thing of the past.

As the consultations continue and the framework takes shape, there is a growing sense of optimism that Africa is on the path to ending malnutrition and building a healthier, more prosperous future for all.