Competition launched to tackle malnutrition

Malnutrition in Ileret, Marsabit County. [File, Standard]

Kenya is among the countries facing a nutritional crisis in Africa.

Recent statistics by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition show that at least 23 million people are undernourished.

This troubling scenario is part of a broader malnutrition challenge affecting both Kenya and Indonesia, where the public health systems are straining under the dual burdens of undernutrition and overnutrition.

To address this issue, a transformative initiative called the Dietary Shifts (DISH) competition has been launched. The DISH Competition 2024 aims to inspire innovative solutions that promote healthier diets and create more sustainable food systems.

The competition is driven by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), EAT, the Food & Land Use Coalition (FOLU), and Nutrition Connect, and seeks to tackle the triple burden of malnutrition that is undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies.

“We make countless decisions every day about what to eat,” said Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director at GAIN.

The DISH competition will showcase 15 innovative solutions from each country, tailored to their specific nutritional needs.

These solutions must align with national health and nutrition guidelines, and participants will have the chance to collaborate with experts from the government, the private sector, and civil society.

The ultimate goal is to create partnerships that can lead to lasting dietary shifts and system-wide changes.

“Transitioning to healthy and sustainable diets, as outlined in the Planetary Health Diet, might seem complicated, but it’s achievable with the collective expertise and commitment of local actors,” said Lujain Alqodmani, Chief Action Officer at EAT.

Alqodmani added that DISH offers a platform for local leaders to share their solutions and help protect both human health and the environment.

The competition is open to a diverse group of participants, including entrepreneurs, chefs, policymakers, and communication experts.

The submissions will be judged across five categories, ranging from policy advocacy to food service interventions and product innovations. The finalists receive cash prizes, global recognition, and mentorship, among others.

“Even small shifts in our diets can create significant changes in our food systems, improving both health and the planet’s well-being, we must embrace sustainable eating today for a healthier, more resilient tomorrow,” said Michael Onchabo, Director at FOLU Kenya.

The competition comes at a crucial time, as DISH also released a report detailing the political, economic, and cultural barriers to dietary changes in Kenya and Indonesia.

iDespite these challenges, the competition aims to foster meaningful transformations by harnessing the power of local ideas and innovations.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), between 713 and 757 million people worldwide are undernourished, including 45 million children suffering from wasting, which is considered the most immediate and life-threatening form of malnutrition.

Additionally, one in two school-aged children and two-thirds of women of reproductive age are affected by micronutrient deficiencies, further complicating the global nutrition crisis.

At the same time, diseases associated with unhealthy, high-calorie diets are on the rise, with 175 million children and adolescents, along with 881 million adults, currently suffering from obesity

These statistics paint a stark picture of the growing double burden of malnutrition, where undernourishment and overnutrition coexist, presenting complex challenges for policymakers and health experts alike.