The World Is Falling Behind on Nutrition Goals
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Good nutrition is essential for healthy growth, especially for mothers and young children. In 2012, global health leaders set six major goals—called Global Nutrition Targets (GNTs)—to be achieved by 2025 and later extended to 2030. These targets focus on reducing low birthweight, child stunting and wasting, anaemia in women, and childhood overweight, while increasing exclusive breastfeeding.
Now, with 2030 just around the corner, a new global review shows that most countries are not on track to meet these goals—and some are even moving in the wrong direction.
What Are the Global Nutrition Targets?
The six GNTs include:
- Low birthweight – Fewer babies born under 2.5 kg
- Exclusive breastfeeding – More babies breastfed only (no water or food) for their first 6 months
- Child stunting – Fewer kids under 5 who are too short for their age
- Child wasting – Fewer underweight children due to acute malnutrition
- Child overweight – Prevent a rise in children who are overweight
- Anaemia in women (15–49 years) – Reduce iron deficiency and improve women's health
These targets are critical because poor nutrition in early life can lead to lifelong problems like weak immunity, learning difficulties, and higher risk of diseases.
How Are Countries Doing?
The results from 204 countries and territories are mixed—and overall, disappointing. According to the review, published in The Lancet in December 2024:
- No country met all six targets.
- Only seven countries met two targets, including South Korea, Peru, and Rwanda.
- Around 100 countries met none of the goals.
- Some progress was made on child wasting, but the number of overweight children increased in most countries.
- Anaemia in women and low birthweight remain stubbornly high.
Why Are We Falling Behind?
The slow progress is due to several overlapping challenges:
- Poverty and inequality make it harder for families to access nutritious food.
- Poor healthcare access limits support for mothers and children.
- Urban lifestyles and processed foods are contributing to the rise in childhood overweight.
- Climate change and conflicts affect food supply and child health.
- The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted services like antenatal care and breastfeeding support.
In short, efforts have been made—but not enough to change global trends.
Which Countries Show Promise?
While most countries are behind, some have made faster-than-expected progress, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. For example, Rwanda and Burundi exceeded targets for exclusive breastfeeding. Other nations like Mongolia and Georgia showed strong reductions in child wasting and stunting.
These successes show that targeted policies and community programs can make a difference—even in low-income settings.
What Needs to Happen Next?
Experts say we need stronger, more coordinated efforts to reverse these trends. Here’s what can help:
- Support for mothers before and after birth, including iron supplements and nutrition education.
- Affordable access to healthy food, especially in poor and rural areas.
- Breastfeeding support, such as paid maternity leave and baby-friendly hospitals.
- Better tracking and reporting, so governments can adjust their efforts.
- Multi-sector policies, combining health, agriculture, education, and social protection.
Without these steps, the burden of malnutrition will continue to affect millions of lives and hold back progress in many countries.
Final Thoughts
Improving nutrition isn’t just about food—it’s about justice, access, and care. The world is not on track to meet its 2030 goals, but it's not too late. With the right investments and political will, we can give every child a healthier start and create a stronger future for all.