Child Malnutrition Crisis: Spain urged to increase Investment in Global Nutrition
Table of Contents
With nearly half of under-five deaths linked to undernutrition, Spain faces mounting pressure to elevate its role in combating global hunger and child malnutrition.
The Stark Reality of Global Hunger
The world faces a daunting challenge: eradicating hunger and malnutrition, especially among children. The statistics paint a grim picture. Globally,in 2022,an estimated 149 million children under 5 suffered from stunting (being too short for their age),while 45 million experienced wasting (being dangerously thin for their height) [[2]]. These conditions not only threaten their immediate survival but also have long-lasting impacts on their physical and cognitive development.
Every day, approximately 13,800 children under the age of five die, with nearly half of these deaths attributable to causes linked to malnutrition. Despite advancements in science and technology, food security is regressing, with 733 million people worldwide currently suffering from hunger [[1]]. This means that one in every eleven people on the planet experiences hunger, a figure that rises to one in five in Africa.
we must prevent child malnutrition before it ever takes hold.
Cindy McCain, WFP Executive Director
Spain’s Role and the Call for Increased Investment
As the global community strives to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, especially SDG 2, which aims to eliminate hunger, the current trajectory appears increasingly unattainable.Nutrition is intrinsically linked to 11 of the 17 SDGs, highlighting its pivotal role in overall sustainable development.
Considering this, there’s an urgent call for Spain to substantially increase its investment in global nutrition initiatives. Spain’s current allocation of only 0.12% of its Official Development Aid (ODA) budget to basic nutrition, specifically interventions to combat child malnutrition, falls far short of the contributions made by comparable nations like Ireland (1.35%) and the Netherlands (0.95%).
Advocates are urging Spain to increase its nutrition-focused ODA tenfold, aiming for at least 1% of the total ODA budget. This increase should be sustained over the coming years to align with World Bank recommendations and enable Spain to assume a leadership role in promoting SDG 2 within the framework of the 2030 Agenda.
Investing in nutrition is not merely a humanitarian imperative; it’s also a sound economic strategy. Studies indicate that for every dollar invested in early nutrition interventions, the return can be as high as $23. Improved nutrition leads to a reduction in disease prevalence, lowering healthcare costs and fostering cognitive development and productivity, all of which are essential for economic growth and social progress.
Treating hunger saves lives. Evidence shows that 80% of children who receive treatment for acute malnutrition recover. However, only 25% of children in need currently have access to these treatments. Without immediate action, an estimated 35 million children could die before 2030 from preventable causes related to malnutrition.
Upcoming Opportunities for Action
Spain has a crucial possibility to demonstrate its commitment to eradicating hunger and malnutrition.The United Nations has selected Seville, Spain, to host the IV International Conference on Financing for Development from June 30 to july 3, 2025. This event will bring together the international community to mobilize resources and strategies for achieving the 2030 Agenda, with ending hunger and child malnutrition as a central focus.
Furthermore, the International Summit ‘Nutrition for growth’ in Paris presents another vital platform for Spain to pledge increased investment in nutrition and actively participate in global efforts to combat hunger.
The path Forward: A Call to action
Spain must seize these opportunities to elevate its role in the global fight against child malnutrition. This requires not only increased financial investment but also the implementation of effective policies and a commitment to making nutrition a central pillar of its development agenda. By prioritizing nutrition,Spain can contribute significantly to saving lives,improving health outcomes,and fostering sustainable development for generations to come.
