Nutrition
Nutrition affects and defines the health of all people, rich and poor. Good nutritional status enables us to grow, develop, work, play, resist infection and realize our fullest potential as individuals and societies. Conversely, malnutrition makes us more vulnerable to disease and premature death. Proper nutrition and health are fundamental human rights.
Poverty is a major cause and consequence of ill health worldwide. Poverty, hunger and malnutrition stalk one another in a vicious circle, compromising health and wreaking havoc on the socioeconomic development of whole countries and entire continents. Nearly 30% of humanity, especially those in developing countries – infants, children, adolescents, adults, and older persons – bear this triple burden. This is a travesty of justice, an abrogation of the most basic human rights
A strong human rights approach is needed to bring on board the millions of people left behind in the 20th century’s health revolution. We must ensure that our values and our vision are anchored in human rights law – only then can they become reality for all people.
[more on this health topic]
Fact sheets
News and press releases
9 August 2011
WHO raises the alarm over nutrition threat
[full text]
14 April 2010
Healthy food, healthy people, healthy islands
[full text]
2 October 2009
WHO backs the DoH over ban on milk products for Ondoy children
[full text]
29 September 2008
UNICEF and WHO China statement on contaminated infant formula
[full text]
12 October 2007
Ruling is a victory for Philippine children, says WHO
[full text]
[more news]
Relevant publications and documents
Weekly iron and folic acid supplementation programmes for women of reproductive age: An analysis of best programme practices
In a developing country, the provision of weekly iron and folic acid supplements (WIFS) to women of reproductive age (WRA) should be viewed as a key intervention to prevent anaemia and improve folate status.
Pacific Food Summit
A Pacific Food Summit was called for by Ministers attending the 7th Pacific Health Ministers meeting in 2007 in Vanuatu. The Ministers stated that a “whole of society approach” should be taken. Following this at the 2008 Pacific Island Forum Leaders Meeting in Niue, Pacific Leaders made food security a priority in the Pacific and in 2009 Ministers of Trade, Agriculture and Health endorsed the concept of a Pacific Food Summit at their respective regional meetings. Continuing the impetus, several Pacific countries held National Food Summits leading up to the Pacific Food Summit which was held at Le Lagon Resort, Port Vila, Vanuatu 21-23 April 2010.
[more publications and documents]
Upcoming meetings and events
No meeting/event planned at this time.