Chapters

This Sixth report on the world nutrition situation by the United Nations System Standing Committee on Nutrition (UNSCN) is part of a series of UNSCN publications reporting on trends in nutrition. By analyzing trends in vitamin A deficiency, iodine deficiency disorders, anaemia, underweight and stunting, as well as low birth weight, the report shows that progress is being made but, in some regions, not fast enough to reach the targets set for the Millennium Development Goals.

This report calls for renewed attention to maternal nutrition, not only to turn the intergenerational cycle of growth failure into a virtuous one, but also for the mothers’ own health and development. The report suggests ways to realize the human right to adequate food, focusing on local food production and maintaining agricultural diversity. At a time when human achievements are being threatened by economic and climatic crises, ensuring adequate food and nutrition is more important than ever.