Global Annual Results Report 2024: Goal Area 1 (Volume II: Nutrition)
Every child survives and thrives
Highlights
The Global Annual Results Report on Goal Area 1 of the UNICEF Strategic Plan 2022-2025 (volume II) presents results on child nutrition and development. The overall aim of this work is to ensure that every child, including every adolescent, survives and thrives with access to a nutritious and diverse diet, nurturing care practices and essential supplies. UNICEF’s efforts to advance these outcomes supports achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly 2 and 3.
Child nutrition and development programmes in Goal Area 1 cover three result areas: (1) nutrition in early childhood, including early stimulation and care; (2) nutrition of school-age children, adolescents and women; and (3) early detection and treatment of malnutrition.
Children’s right to nutrition is undermined by inequities. UNICEF works with partners to reach children and communities wherever they may be, to realize every child’s right to survive, grow and develop to their full potential. The organization prioritizes the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children and population groups, with a focus on equitable access. In 2024, UNICEF continued to meet annual targets and deliver results for children in the face of increasing inequities, climate-related disasters, persistent and new conflicts, and an ongoing global food and nutrition crisis.
Headline results:
- 441.6 million children and caregivers in 89 countries were reached with policies, programmes and services for the prevention of malnutrition in early childhood, exceeding the 2024 target of at least 300 million.
- 139.2 million school-age children and adolescents in 82 countries were reached with gender-responsive policies, programmes and services for the prevention of all forms of malnutrition in schools and communities, exceeding the 2024 target of at least 90 million.
- More than 251.7 million children under 5 were screened for wasting in 64 countries, exceeding the target of 200 million; of these, more than 9.3 million children with severe wasting were admitted for life-saving treatment.
