Globally, undernutrition remains stubbornly high, even as overnutrition rises: an estimated 800 million people are calorie deficient and around 2 billion experience micronutrient deficiencies. Lack of proper nutrition increases child mortality and morbidity, stunts physical growth and cognitive development, impedes learning and reduces adult productivity. Adult undernutrition is estimated to cost African and Asian countries the equivalent of 8-11% of annual GDP.
Advocates for increased investments to tackle malnutrition hope that the commitments made at the 2013 London summit will be extended.
Poverty and inequality reduction will be key to cutting child undernutrition.
Brazil's recent economic woes risk undermining the progress of recent years.
