Concern's statement on the UK Government's Nutrition for Growth pledges

Sayyeda Salam, Executive Director of Concern Worldwide (UK) said:   

“Through Concern Worldwide’s programmes on the ground, we know  that good nutrition lays a strong foundation for communities to survive and thrive. It also underpins progress achievable through investments in health, education, and economic prosperity.  We welcome the UK Government’s announcement reinforcing the integration of nutrition within its wider UK aid efforts, as well as its intention to report on the impacts of these efforts. As a signatory of the Nutrition Compact, Concern is ready to support the delivery of this initiative and looks towards the UK government to be a champion for nutrition globally.  

However, unlike previous N4G summits, the absence of a financial commitment this year is disappointing. The UK aid cuts announced earlier this year will severely limit the positive impacts possible through good quality nutrition programmes at-scale. Ultimately, the adverse consequences will be felt by communities facing some of the worst forms of malnutrition and hunger, conflict, and poverty globally.   

The UK Government should be stepping up to ensure we do not lose the gains made thus far in reducing malnutrition amongst some of the most vulnerable groups. This needs the UK government’s policy initiatives to be backed by adequate investment, and not a scale back of essential funding.” 

Investing in nutrition improvement can help reduce around half of all preventable deaths in young children, promote better early childhood development, and reduce vulnerability to disease while also delivering high returns of investment.  An estimated 6.45 million people, largely women and children under-five, were reached by Concern nutrition programmes in 2024. 

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