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Having attended the virtual conference Addressing Malnutrition, Catalysing Africa’s Transformation through Enhanced Multi-sectoral Investments, on the 16th of February 2024 , it becomes even more apparent how these gatherings serve as critical catalysts for change on the African continent. The conference, convened on the sidelines of the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, witnessed leaders, including Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane of Lesotho, passionately advocating for intensified efforts against malnutrition and poverty.
Pic of the Event. Addressing Malnutrition, Catalysing Africa’s Transformation through Enhanced Multi-sectoral Investments: Insights from Conferences
In the wake of pressing global challenges such as malnutrition and poverty, virtual conferences have emerged as a crucial platform for rallying international support and fostering collaboration. Recently, leaders from across Africa convened virtually to address the imperative issue of malnutrition, particularly focusing on strategies to eradicate it and alleviate poverty, with a keen eye on the pivotal role of women in this endeavor.
The conference brought to light compelling facts and figures that underscore the urgency of concerted action.
1. Prevalence of Malnutrition: As highlighted during the conference, an alarming 86 million children below the age of five in Africa face various forms of malnutrition. Among them, 63 million are stunted, 10 million are overweight, and three million suffer from wasting, indicating low weight for their height. These staggering numbers illuminate the widespread nature of the challenge.
2. Impact on Children: President Akinwumi Adesina emphasized that malnutrition poses enormous developmental challenges for Africa. The Seqota Declaration, a commitment by the Government of Ethiopia, targets ending stunting in children under the age of two by 2030. The consequences of malnutrition extend beyond physical health, affecting educational performance, labor productivity, and overall societal progress.
3. Economic Implications: The economic rationale for addressing malnutrition was underscored by Farayi Zimudzi, the Food and Agriculture Organisation's Representative in Ethiopia. Zimudzi highlighted that there are now more stunted children than 20 years ago, emphasizing that every dollar invested in nutrition can yield a return of 16 dollars. This insight reinforces the economic imperative of addressing malnutrition.
4. African Development Bank's Target: President Adesina set a clear target during the conference – to reduce malnutrition and stunting in Africa by 40% by 2025. This ambitious goal, to be achieved within just one year from the conference date, places a substantial responsibility on the shoulders of African leaders and necessitates robust political will and coordinated efforts.
5. Warning of Deterioration: President Adesina also sounded a cautionary note, warning that the number of undernourished people in Africa is projected to increase to 51.5%. This projection underscores the urgency of transforming food systems and taking decisive actions to reverse the trend.
6. Role of Women: The Seqota Declaration, highlighted by President Sahle-Work Zewde, not only focuses on malnutrition but also emphasizes women's empowerment and sustainable agriculture. This aligns with the broader narrative during the conference, recognizing women as central figures in the fight against malnutrition and poverty.
These facts and figures, presented and discussed during the conference, provide a sobering overview of the magnitude of the malnutrition challenge in Africa. They underscore the need for immediate, coordinated, and sustained efforts to address the multifaceted aspects of malnutrition and its implications for the continent's future.
In the aftermath of the enlightening virtual conference held on the 16th of February to combat malnutrition and poverty in Africa, it is increasingly evident that such gatherings serve as pivotal catalysts for transformative change on the continent. The impassioned advocacy of leaders, notably Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, during this assembly on the sidelines of the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, underscores the urgency to escalate efforts against malnutrition and poverty.
The revelations stemming from the conference, coupled with compelling facts and figures, paint a vivid picture of the complex challenges facing Africa. With 86 million children grappling with various forms of malnutrition, including stunting and wasting, the scale of the issue demands immediate attention. President Akinwumi Adesina's call to reduce malnutrition and stunting by 40% by 2025 is not merely a goal but a responsibility that necessitates robust political will and coordinated efforts.
Crucially, women have emerged as key agents of change in the fight against malnutrition and poverty in Africa. Their empowerment is crucial for driving sustainable development and fostering resilience in communities. As emphasized by various speakers during the virtual conferences, initiatives to enhance women's participation and leadership in nutrition-focused programs are essential for achieving meaningful progress.
Addressing Malnutrition, Catalysing Africa’s Transformation through Enhanced Multi-sectoral Investments: Insights from Conferences
In this context, the African Union's Commissioner for Health, Minata Samate Cessouma, highlighted the importance of political leadership and collaboration in mobilizing efforts to combat malnutrition. She called for united action among Member States to comprehensively address this multifaceted challenge.
Moreover, the economic repercussions highlighted by Farayi Zimudzi, where every dollar invested in nutrition yields a return of 16 dollars, accentuate the imperative of addressing malnutrition for sustainable development. The Seqota Declaration's emphasis on women's empowerment and sustainable agriculture aligns with the broader narrative recognizing women as central figures in combating malnutrition and poverty.
Addressing Malnutrition, Catalysing Africa’s Transformation through Enhanced Multi-sectoral Investments: Insights from Conferences
The conferences, acting as invaluable platforms for collaboration and resource mobilization, echo the sentiment that empowering women, fortifying policy frameworks, and fostering international cooperation are the stepping stones towards a future where every child in Africa has access to nutritious food and the prospect to thrive. It is incumbent upon all stakeholders, from leaders to citizens, to translate the insights from this conference into tangible actions, ensuring a nourished and prosperous future for the continent.
Curator Montse Domínguez i Munllonch
Sources:
African Development Bank Group. (n.d.). Press Releases. Retrieved from [https://www.afdb.org/en/news-and-events/press-releases]
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (n.d.). Africa needs stronger policies, investments to improve nutrition, the UN food agency warns. Retrieved from [http://www.fao.org/africa/news/detail-news/en/c/1473493/]
African Union. (n.d.). The Seqota Declaration. Retrieved from [https://au.int/en/pressreleases/20160130/seqota-declaration]
Keywords:
Malnutrition; Poverty; Africa; Virtual conference; Empowering women; Sustainable development; Seqota Declaration; African Development Bank ; Akinwumi Adesina ; Women's leadership Nutrition ; Economic impact ; Children's health ; Leadership commitment; Political will
Pic by Annie Spratt
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