COVID-19: Why nutrition should be part of Africa’s response to the pandemic

Continental nutrition advocates have emphasized the critical need for African leaders to prioritize financing for nutrition in their countries' COVID-19 response and recovery plans. Dr. Kirim Isindi, a Food Systems Expert, highlighted the significance of this call in the context of Africa's economic recovery. The current state of nutrition in Africa is alarming, with high prevalence rates of stunting and anemia among women of reproductive age. The region is facing challenges such as increased poverty, disrupted supply chains, and decreased food production, exacerbating the existing nutrition crisis. The targets set by the World Health Organization (WHO) to achieve significant reductions in stunting, anemia, and low birth weight by 2025 are now even more challenging to reach due to the impact of the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has deepened economic hardship, pushing millions below the poverty line and affecting informal workers, predominantly women. Dr. Kirim raised concerns about the feasibility of meeting the WHO targets given the setbacks caused by the pandemic. The Gopipas report by Biran Merida Foundation revealed a regression in vaccination rates to levels of 25 years ago, making it difficult for African countries to achieve immunization targets. While progress had been made in nutrition goals over the past three years, the pandemic has set back these advancements significantly. It is clear that Africa needs to regain its previous progress to have a chance at meeting the WHO targets by 2025. Furthermore, the COVID-19 crisis presents an opportunity for African leaders to reorient resource mobilization efforts towards increased investments in nutrition. Despite the urgent need for funding to mitigate the pandemic's effects on nutrition, African countries remain underfunded compared to their Western counterparts. While global superpowers have invested trillions of dollars in economic preservation, African nations have allocated a minimal percentage of their GDP for similar endeavors, posing a considerable challenge in addressing nutrition and health issues. The private sector has played a role in raising funds, but the main focus remains on stabilizing the economy and ensuring food security, with less emphasis placed on nutrition. The pandemic has underscored the vulnerability of African populations, especially rural communities and urban poor, who rely heavily on local production and are disproportionately affected by movement restrictions and economic downturns. The call for mainstreaming nutrition in COVID-19 strategies is crucial in ensuring that vulnerable populations receive adequate support. Dr. Kirim emphasized the importance of addressing not only food security but also nutrition, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach that considers the diverse dietary needs of different population groups. As African countries navigate the complexities of the COVID-19 crisis, the conversation around nutrition financing and support for vulnerable communities becomes increasingly urgent. The pandemic has laid bare the existing disparities and challenges in the region's nutrition landscape, necessitating a concerted effort from governments, donors, and the private sector to prioritize nutrition alongside economic recovery initiatives. The path ahead is challenging, but with strategic investments and a renewed focus on nutrition, Africa can strive towards a healthier and more resilient future.