Climate change and the rising cost of food have contributed to a rise in malnutrition rates, with the heaviest burden falling on the most vulnerable, especially women and girls.

“Ending malnutrition is essential to improving and saving lives. Proper nutrition at the right time can mean the difference for a child learning in school, a girl pursuing her dreams in good health, or a woman participating fully in her work and community. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of the poorest and most vulnerable, in particular, women and girls.”

- Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada

“Ending malnutrition starts with supporting women and girls. By investing in women's and girls’ health, education, and livelihoods, we invest in a better future for generations to come. We are proud to work with the Government of Canada to promote gender equality and empower women and girls with the resources they deserve to nourish themselves and their families.”

- Onome Ako, CEO for Action Against Hunger Canada

“Children Believe is thrilled to partner with Global Affairs Canada to implement the Championing Nutrition and Gender Equality (CHANGE) project. This work is critically important because gender discrimination and malnutrition are closely linked. No one should go to bed hungry, but all too often it is women and girls in particular who eat both the last and the least in their families. This compromises their and their families’ health, their education and their futures. It is time for all of that to change.”

- Fred Witteveen, CEO for Children Believe

“The SickKids Centre for Global Child Health is excited and honoured to support Canada’s efforts to improve the nutritional health of vulnerable populations around the world, especially children and their families. As we are living through a most challenging era, coping with major climate changes, food shortages and inflation, and post-COVID recovery, focusing on WASH programming is essential for optimal health and well-being. We look forward to working with our partners in Canada, Ghana, Malawi and Pakistan to strengthen sustainable institutional capacity and to strive toward SickKids' vision: Healthier Children. A Better World.”

- Dr. Stanley Zlotkin, Chief, SickKids Centre for Global Child Health

“At this critical time of worsening hunger crises, World Vision is grateful for the continued generous support from the Government of Canada. We are excited to be working in partnership with other development organizations and are committed to further improve nutrition for the most vulnerable and to enable communities to thrive.”  

- Michael Messenger, President and CEO for World Vision Canada

• Malnutrition affects at least one out of three people worldwide, but its impacts are disproportionately faced by women and girls.

• Malnutrition rates are rising due to the food security crisis:

  • 45.4 million children are acutely malnourished
  • 149.2 million children are stunted
  • more than 50% of preschool aged children and two-thirds of non-pregnant women of reproductive age worldwide are micronutrient deficient

• During the Tokyo Nutrition for Growth Summit in December 2021, Canada committed $520 million in nutrition-specific programming over five years.

• The 10-Year Commitment to Global Health and Rights is Canada’s largest and longest financial commitment in international development assistance. Through this commitment Canada will reach an average of $1.4 billion annually by fiscal year 2023-2024, with $700 million going to sexual and reproductive health and rights and maintain these levels to 2030.

• In its first year of implementation, 2020-2021, the majority of investments were directed to the Sub-Saharan Africa region (63.9%). The top ten countries receiving the most assistance in 2020–2021 were in Africa and Asia.

Related products

• Backgrounder - Canada announces financial contribution for projects to improve nutrition in Africa and Asia

Associated links

• Minister Sajjan announces a $40-million contribution to ensure all women, adolescents and children can access essential health services today and in a post-pandemic world
• Canada announces support for global nutrition efforts
• Canada announces emergency support to respond to global food crises
• 10-Year Commitment to Global Health and Rights Annual Report – 2020-2021
• Government of Canada makes historic investment to promote the health and rights of women and girls around the word
• Nutrition in developing countries

Haley Hodgson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development
Haley.Hodgson@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @CanadaDev
Like us on Facebook: Canada’s international development - Global Affairs Canada
Follow us on Instagram: @canadadev