MARKHAM, Ontario – 22 January 2025 –
The Honourable Ahmed Hussen
P.C., Minister of International Development
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0A6
Dear Minister Hussen,
On behalf of the undersigned civil society organizations in Canada, we urge you to make a bold pledge of C$750 million over 5 years to nutrition-specific initiatives ahead of the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit in Paris this March. This is a critical moment for Canada to reaffirm its leadership in addressing the global malnutrition crisis, which has devastating consequences for women, children, and girls.
Nutrition is foundational for human development and prosperity. There is no path to quality education, economic productivity, gender equality, and physical and emotional health that does not find its roots in good nutrition. This is why coordinated investments in nutrition are so important.
The scale of the crisis is alarming: two-thirds of the world’s children – more than 400 million – are not receiving adequate nutrients to grow and thrive, putting them at higher risk for malnutrition. In 2023, an estimated 148 million children experienced stunting, a condition that prevents them from reaching their full physical and cognitive potential. Stunting can cause lifelong impacts and even affect the next generation. Additionally, 45 million children suffered from wasting, a condition associated with an increased risk of child mortality.
To address this crisis, the proposed investment – less than 0.1% of the annual global cost of malnutrition (USD$761 billion) – would help prevent 6.2 million infant deaths, nearly one million stillbirths, and every dollar invested would generate a return of C$23. By directing nutrition-specific investments to Canadian organizations and global health initiatives, Canada’s commitment would save lives and drive lasting improvements in health, education, and economic stability.
This pledge would support critical interventions that:
● increase access to cost-effective solutions to malnutrition, including Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation, prevention and treatment of child wasting, vitamin A supplementation, breastfeeding, and antenatal care;
● dismantle gender-related barriers to resources and decision-making power in all areas of development, including education, WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene), agriculture and food production, economic inclusion, social protection, and climate adaptation;
● strengthen health systems by integrating essential nutrition services with immunization programs and expanding the capacity of community health workers; and
● deliver nutrition and holistic early childhood development programs in emergencies.
International Development Week 2025 offers a timely opportunity for Canada to announce a pledge. The N4G Special Envoy Brieuc Pont will also be in Ottawa during the week and has scheduled meetings with your office, Global Affairs Canada, civil society organizations, and philanthropic foundations. This presents a unique platform for your leadership to celebrate the successes of the Feminist International Assistance Policy and the 10-Year Commitment to Global Health and Rights with domestic and international audiences.
Two events provide platforms for a potential announcement of Canada’s investment in nutrition:
● Fireside Chat at Nutrition International’s Headquarters (February 7) This gathering of Canada’s health and nutrition community – including government, civil society, and philanthropies – will celebrate Canadian leadership and catalyze further collaboration and action in the fight against malnutrition.
● Lunch at the French Embassy (February 6): This closed-door event with high-level stakeholders offers another opportunity to announce Canada’s commitment in front of key representatives from donor and implementing countries, civil society organizations, and philanthropies. It will set a powerful tone for the N4G Summit and elevate the global ambition for nutrition.
Canada’s commitment will not only affirm this government’s global leadership in nutrition but also further progress towards 11 of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in health and gender equity.
Together, we can advance this critical agenda and make a meaningful difference in the lives of millions. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and welcome the opportunity to meet with you and support these efforts further.
Sincerely,
Learn more about how Canada can lead the fight against global malnutrition.