WFP calls for urgent investment to prevent child wasting as leaders convene at Nutrition for Growth Summit

Malnutrition does irreparable damage to a child’s physical and cognitive development, weakening immune systems, stunting growth and limiting brain development. Malnutrition often begins during pregnancy which is why prevention programmes that target at risk mothers and children are essential. Acting early and fast is the only way to avoid the lifelong impact of wasting on a child’s health.

“We must prevent child malnutrition before it ever takes hold,” said WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain. “If we fail to act, we are condemning millions of children to a lifetime of suffering. WFP has the knowledge and tools to stop malnutrition in its tracks—what we need is investment and political will.”

WFP needs $1.4 billion to deliver malnutrition prevention and treatment programmes for more than 30 million mothers and children in 56 countries in 2025. In 2024, WFP prevented wasting in 13.8 million mothers and children through the provision of fortified foods, nutrient-dense supplements, cash or vouchers for nutritious meals and nutritionally adequate food baskets. Additionally, the agency helped 14 million more individuals through its emergency malnutrition treatment programmes. 

Malnutrition is rising worldwide due to a relentless wave of global crises including conflict, economic instability, and climate-related emergencies: in the 15 countries most affected by malnutrition, 33 million children suffer from wasting.

“The Nutrition for Growth Summit is a pivotal opportunity to secure a better future for millions of children,” said Executive Director McCain. “Governments, donors and partners must step up and invest in nutrition now—a healthy child today means a stronger, more resilient world tomorrow. WFP is being forced to make tough choices, prioritizing treatment over prevention, meaning we can only help children when they’re already sick. With flexible and predictable funding, we can act early, break this cycle, and save more lives.” 

Without urgent funding, WFP will be forced to suspend prevention programmes in countries with some of the largest burdens of child malnutrition. In Afghanistan, for example, prevention programmes will cease from May, while in Syria and DRC such programmes will be reduced from June unless additional funds are received. In Yemen, where up to one-third of children under five are wasted, WFP has only been able to implement one prevention programme in one district in the last 12 months – and this will end in May without additional funding. 

Malnutrition is responsible for half of all deaths among children under five years old. For those who survive, malnutrition reduces their ability to learn, earn and thrive as adults, trapping them in a cycle of poverty and poor health. 

Investing in malnutrition prevention during the first 1,000 days improves individual health and strengthens economies: low- and middle-income countries lose an average of 10% of GDP due to malnutrition through increased healthcare costs and lowered human capital. Prevention programmes also reduce the burden on treatment programmes, ensuring resources are available for those already suffering from malnutrition.

Notes to editors:

Broadcast quality B-roll is available here: https://multimedia.wfp.org/Share/3ic88u7kg7880rr4g3w4s48daf70bar7

High resolution photo package is available here: https://multimedia.wfp.org/Share/265j71n30o6mw8ac3kxan04f1ypgr26o

#                 #                  #

The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media