Nutrition
Global hunger now afflicts nearly a billion people worldwide. Severe acute malnutrition, however, is the more immediate killer: it threatens the lives of 19 million children. Every year at least 3.5 million of them die from malnutrition-related causes.
Action Against Hunger’s methods for identifying and rescuing populations afflicted with acute malnutrition are internationally renowned, having pioneered revolutionary nutrition products and field tested treatment protocols that have become industry standards.
From rural mountain villages to the confines of refugee camps to ethnically divided cities, Action Against Hunger treats and prevents malnutrition in over 40 countries around the world. Our programs are launched most often during times of crisis and focus on the most vulnerable, including young children and women who are pregnant or nursing.
What We Do
Evaluate Nutritional Needs
To assess the root causes of a malnutrition outbreak, ACF collects baseline data on key nutritional indicators like local capacities and resources, cultural practices, infrastructure, and geography. These nutrition surveys are essential for mounting an effective, customized response.
Treat Acute Malnutrition
ACF treats cases of severe acute malnutrition with inpatient care (for those with medical complications) and with community-based, outpatient programs. Without treatment severely malnourished women and children would likely face imminent death.
Prevent Acute Malnutrition
ACF’s prevention activities provide Ready-to-Use-Foods to patients discharged from therapeutic care, children with moderate acute malnutrition, and children in communities faced with seasonal hunger. Prevention can save millions of lives while long-term solutions are developed.
Build Local Capacity
ACF strengthens public health systems to combat malnutrition. We field teams that consist overwhelmingly of local staff and integrate our programs into existing health structures. When crises subside, we ensure local capacity is in place to support continued improvements in communities’ nutritional health.
Recent Nutrition News
May 18, 2012
In a speech today, President Barack Obama affirmed the United States' commitment to being a leader in the fight against hunger and malnutrition around the world. He announced $3 billion in new private sector pledges to significantly increase agriculture and food production in Africa. ... Read
May 11, 2012
We’re about to reach a critical moment in combating the hunger crisis. Key conversations will be happening. The maternal- and child-health focused 1,000 Days will host the Scaling Up Nutrition: Calling All Champions briefing in Washington on the eve of the G8 Summit, May 17th.... Read
April 25, 2012
If you simply scratch the surface, it appears as if Nigeria is having a golden moment. It’s a middle income country according to the World Bank, and is the second largest economy in Africa after South Africa. The U.S. gets 20 percent of its oil from Nigeria and is the nation’s largest foreign investor.... Read
April 9, 2012
As the regional food crisis intensifies in Africa’s Sahel region, we’ve worked to provide you with the latest information. Most recently, we wrote about the situation on the ground in Chad, where food shortages, price hikes, and drought have put many thousands of children in danger.... Read
We're a Top Nonprofit
Action Against Hunger has been named one of the top nonprofits of 2011 by a panel of experts rating international charities.
