Meeting the challenge of a new era for achieving healthy diet and nutrition

Outcomes of the 2nd Global Nutrition Policy Review

Following the 1st Global Nutrition Policy Review conducted in 2009-2010, WHO has undertaken the 2nd Global Nutrition Policy Review in 2016. The purpose of the Review was to compile updated information on countries’ progress in implementing actions to achieve the Global Nutrition Targets 2025 adopted by the 65th World Health Assembly (WHA) in 2012 and also diet-related NCD Targets adopted the 66th WHA in 2013, both of which were subsequently endorsed by the 2nd International Conference on Nutrition (ICN2) in 2014.

The 2nd Global Nutrition Policy Review compiled and assessed the policies, strategies and plans relevant to improving nutrition and promoting healthy diets. This includes both comprehensive national policies and those focusing on specific nutrition issues. It also includes policies, strategies and plans in which nutrition is one out of several strategic areas, such as NCD strategies, health sector strategic plans, social protection plans, food security strategies or national development plans.

The Review also assessed the status of implementing various intervention programmes addressing diet and nutrition-related problems throughout the life course. Furthermore, the Review compiled information on nutrition governance structures and mechanisms in countries, including multisectoral coordination mechanisms, as well as on nutrition capacities in countries.

As of 7 November 2016, 121 countries - about 60% of countries - have responded to the 2nd Global Nutrition Policy Review and currently, final follow-up with the remaining countries is being conducted by the six WHO Regional Offices.

The aim of this side event is, therefore, to share the preliminary findings of the Review to date, including some specific country examples. The final analyses of the Review will be reported to WHA in 2017. It is envisioned that the findings of the Review will contribute to the monitoring of the country progress in implementing ICN2 commitments and will also serve as a baseline on the nutrition policy environment for the Decade of Action on Nutrition (2016 – 2025).