Online Discussion | The Latin American approach to the double burden of malnutrition

Until 2nd July 2015, the Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN forum) has opened an online discussion about What are Latin American countries doing to tackle the double burden of malnutrition effectively?. This online discussion was organised in collaboration with the Red de Información y Educación Alimentaria y Nutricional para América Latina y el Caribe (Red ICEAN) and the FSN forum to take stock of and capitalize on what countries in Latin America are doing, to effectively address the double burden of malnutrition.

Latin America has experienced a significant, though uneven, economic growth in the past few decades. Overall, it has made great strides in reducing food insecurity and the number of hungry people (see for example the latest issue of the Panorama report ). However, the rising levels of overweight and obesity and its associated chronic diseases constitute a major public health concern across the region, while some countries are still dealing with an unacceptably high, persistent prevalence of undernutrition.

Progress has been made by means of programmatic adjustments towards more integrative approaches, and in the implementation of public policies that promote healthy diets, while lessons have also been learned from past programmes. At present, there are many experiences and insights to share, which can contribute to the development of successful integrative policies and strategies.

Questions for the consultation

• Which nutrition problem (s) does your country prioritise? (undernutrition, overweight/obesity, micronutrient deficiencies, all forms of malnutrition)
• How is this/are these problems tackled? Please let us know if they are tackled independently or as part of a comprehensive strategy, through policies and programmes that focus on prevention and promotion of adequate, healthy diets. Have these efforts been evaluated?
• ‎What in your view could be done more effectively to prevent all forms of malnutrition? Please elaborate on the mistakes to be avoided and what needs to be done to ensure that the policies and programmes in place, if any, will succeed in the long term?
• What in your view is the role of nutrition education in addressing the double burden of malnutrition?

Join the discussion now at FSN Forum

About the Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition

The Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum) is an online venue for multi-stakeholder dialogue where policy decisions on food security and nutrition are collectively inspired, developed and linked with practice. The FSN Forum is facilitated by the Agricultural Development Economics Division (ESA) in FAO. Visit the website: www.fao.org/fsnforum