Globally, about 8.9% of the world’s population, 690 million people, are malnourished. The economic, food, water, and health system disruptions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic continue to worsen all forms of malnutrition. Almost half of deaths for children under five years of age are attributed to malnutrition, and those children who survive malnutrition have compromised cognitive and physical development.

Even before COVID-19, wasting, stunting, obesity, and micronutrient deficiency rates were growing. In many countries, poor nutrition is on the rise. The total number of people affected by moderate or severe food and nutrition insecurity means an estimated two billion people do not have regular access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food.