Africa's malnutrition burden could be worsened by COVID-19, report

Sub-Saharan African countries are likely to deal with declining food and nutrition security amid disruptions to their agricultural systems triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, said a report that was launched in Nairobi on Tuesday.

The 2020 Global Nutrition Report (GNR) said that African governments, industry and external financiers should prioritize mitigation measures to avert a hunger and malnutrition crisis in a continent where the viral respiratory disease is gradually spreading.

"We have seen significant progress to tackle malnutrition in Africa, but the COVID-19 pandemic could reverse these gains," said Jane Battersby-Lennard, associate professor at the University of Cape Town's African Centre for Cities.

COVID-19 is expected to increase this disparity, which means that now is the time to scale up our efforts and support communities and people most affected," she added.

The 2020 Global Nutrition Report whose theme is "Action on Equity to end Malnutrition" stated that robust policy, regulatory and funding interventions are key to boost nutrition outcomes in Africa.

According to the report, the COVID 19 pandemic has worsened the fragility of the continent's agricultural systems hence undermining efforts to feed a population already grappling with other infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS and Ebola.

It acknowledged substantial progress some African countries have made towards eradicating hunger and malnutrition thanks to investments in climate-resilient farming systems coupled with policy reforms.

The 2020 Global Nutrition Report singled out Ethiopia for reducing the prevalence of stunting among children below five years from 57.6 percent in 2000 to 38.4 percent in 2016.

It said that Burundi has managed to reduce stunting levels from 64.0 percent in 2000 to 55.9 percent in 2016, despite grappling with a volatile political environment.

The report stressed that agricultural diversification that encourages a shift from traditional staples like maize, wheat and rice to fruits, nuts and vegetables is key to boost the resilience of African communities amid the twin challenges of malnutrition and COVID-19 pandemic.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)