One in three people globally are malnourished, the vast majority in low- and middle-income countries. Women and girls, who tend to eat least and eat last, are particularly affected, being twice as likely to suffer from malnutrition. This crisis is causing illnesses, preventable deaths and lost economic potential. By some estimates, poor health and lost potential costs the worldwide economy over a trillion dollars each year.

“Nutrition International is a leader in providing vitamin A supplements for children under five, and they make their vitamin A capsules right here in Ontario! We are not only talking about reaching 150 million children with essential nutrition support. We are also talking about good jobs for 140 people here in Canada. Now and in the years to come, I know the funding announced today will continue to build a brighter future that benefits all of us.”

- Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development

“Canada is stepping forward to address malnutrition at a time of rising global need. This is what leadership looks like. The timely support for Nutrition International’s focused, high-impact work will improve the lives of millions of people around the world. Malnutrition measures its impact in lost lives, lost health, and lost potential – and yet is entirely preventable. By prioritizing nutrition, we can break the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition and poverty, and build a healthier, better educated, and more stable world.”

- Joel Spicer, President and CEO of Nutrition International

• The funding announced today is part of Canada’s 10-Year Commitment to Global Health and Rights – Canada’s largest and longest financial commitment in international development assistance. Of the total $1.42 billion in 10YC spending in 2022-2023, Canada invested $844 million in global health programming, including $120 million for nutrition.

• Canada is Nutrition International’s founding and primary donor, having provided over $950 million in core and project-specific funding since its establishment as an independent organization in 2001.

• Each year, Nutrition International’s programming reaches approximately 150 million children with two doses of vitamin A, and 400 million people with iodized salt. Over the past 30 years, Nutrition International has reached over 1 billion people, helped avert 7 million deaths, prevented 15 million cases of anemia among women and girls, prevented 12 million cases of stunting among children, and enabled more than 5 million children to gain an additional year of education.

Associated links

• Goal 2: Zero Hunger
• Minister Hussen announces multi-year funding of Canadian Foodgrains Bank to help feed people affected by humanitarian crises
• Canada announces support for global nutrition efforts
• Nutrition International
• Nutrition in developing countries

Olivia Batten
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development
Olivia.Batten@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on X (Twitter): @CanadaDev
Like us on Facebook: Canada’s international development - Global Affairs Canada
Follow us on Instagram: @canadadev