New York, July 24: The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged governments to increase investment in child nutrition programmes, warning that persistent food insecurity and climate related disruptions are putting millions of children at risk of malnutrition.
The agency said many low and middle income countries continue to struggle with rising food prices, extreme weather events and supply chain disruptions, making it difficult for vulnerable families to provide balanced diets for children. These challenges have contributed to growing rates of stunting, wasting and micronutrient deficiencies.
UNICEF emphasized that the first 1,000 days of a child’s life remain critical for physical and cognitive development. Poor nutrition during this period can have lifelong consequences, affecting learning ability, immunity and overall health.
Health experts also highlighted the importance of breastfeeding, access to fortified foods and community based nutrition services in reducing child mortality. Governments were encouraged to expand school meal programmes and improve maternal healthcare services to ensure better nutrition outcomes.
The agency stressed that investments in clean drinking water, sanitation and healthcare are equally important, as repeated infections often worsen the effects of malnutrition. Integrated health and nutrition strategies, UNICEF said, can significantly improve child survival rates.
UNICEF called for stronger collaboration between governments, international donors and humanitarian organizations to expand nutrition support in vulnerable regions. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to working with partners to ensure children receive the essential nutrients needed for healthy growth and development.