Many low- and middle-income countries are currently facing a double burden of malnutrition (DBM), characterized by a coexistence of maternal and child undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and rising overweight and obesity. Double duty actions (DDA) have the potential to tackle multiple forms of malnutrition simultaneously, but further discussion about how to apply them in policies and programs is required. The need for DDA operationalization is even greater given the current context of the global pandemic, which has demonstrated the increased risk of severe illness due to overweight and obesity as well as the secondary epidemic of all forms of malnutrition resulting from income losses, increased food insecurity, and disrupted essential health and nutrition services.

The GFF, WHO, and IFPRI organized an closed door side event which aims to:

  • Session 1 (December 3, 2020): Assess the policy implications of DDA and how they can be integrated into existing or new policies, while identifying key conditions and actions that underpin effective policy formulation
  • Session 2 (December 7, 2020): Showcase how policy processes and effective entry points can stimulate adaptations in nutrition and other sectoral programs to incorporate DDA and address all forms of malnutrition
  • Session 3 (December 9, 2020): Build consensus on the principles and best practices for formulation and adaptation of policies and programs to support the integration of DDA and chart a way forward for action in 2021

This technical consultation series was introduced by a virtual policy seminar on the Lancet Series on the Double Burden of Malnutrition hosted by IFPRI on December 1, 2020.

Session Moderators:

  • Dr. Francesco Branca, MD, PhD, Director of the Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, World Health Organization
  • Dr. Marie Ruel, Directory of the Poverty, Health and Nutrition Division, International Food Policy Research Institute
  • Prof. Corinna Hawkes, Director for the Center for Food Policy at City, University of London and Vice Chair of the Mayor of London's Child Obesity Task Force.