As the world’s leading report on the state of global nutrition, the Global Nutrition Report sheds light on where progress has been made and where challenges remain. New analysis shows that global and national patterns hide significant inequalities within countries and populations, with the most vulnerable groups being most affected. The 2020 Global Nutrition Report therefore examines the critical role of addressing inequity to end malnutrition in all its forms.

Inequity is a cause of malnutrition – both undernutrition and overweight, obesity and other diet-related chronic diseases.
Inequities in food and health systems exacerbate inequalities in nutrition outcomes that in turn can lead to more inequity, perpetuating a vicious cycle.

Although the 2020 Global Nutrition Report was written before the current coronavirus pandemic, its emphasis on nutritional well-being for all, particularly the most vulnerable, has a heightened significance in the face of this new global threat. The need for more equitable, resilient and sustainable food and health systems has never been more urgent.
Covid-19 does not treat us equally. Undernourished people have weaker immune systems, and may be at greater risk of severe illness due to the virus. At the same time, poor metabolic health, including obesity and diabetes, is strongly linked to worse Covid-19 outcomes, including risk of hospitalisation and death.

People who already suffer as a consequence of inequities – including the poor, women and children, those living in fragile or conflict-affected states, minorities, refugees and the unsheltered – are particularly affected by both the virus and the impact of containment measures. It is essential that they are protected, especially when responses are implemented.
Good nutrition is an essential part of an individual’s defence against Covid-19. Nutritional resilience is a key element of a society’s readiness to combat the threat. Focusing on nutritional well-being provides opportunities for establishing synergies between public health and equity, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Covid-19 exposes the vulnerability and weaknesses of our already fragile food systems. Covid-19 has tested our food systems, already stressed by increasing climate extremes. Containing the virus has caused food and nutrition shortages and driven governments to reduce social services, such as school nutrition programmes, that the most marginalised rely upon. In the context of food and nutrition shortages, accessibility and affordability of healthy, sustainably produced food
becomes even more challenging. Access to staple food distribution and local food markets is at risk.

Millions of households in formerly food-secure regions of the world have fallen into severe food insecurity. Levels of hunger and malnutrition could double within the space of just a few weeks.
As measures to slow the spread of Covid-19 are enacted around the world, we must ensure that there is enough nutritious food, distributed fairly, to cover basic nutrition needs – especially for the most vulnerable. Quite simply, and as the 2020 Global Nutrition Report highlights, food systems everywhere must become equitable, nutritious, efficient and inclusive.
Covid-19 exposes deadly healthcare disparities. Transformed and strengthened health systems must focus on delivering preventive nutrition and health services and be ready to respond to crises.