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Multi-sectoral Framework for International
and National Action
After more than two years of extensive
preparatory work by governments and their international organizations,
WHO and FAO convened the International Conference on
Nutrition (ICN, Rome, 1992). Through this process, the major
forms of malnutrition were assessed, their multisectoral causes
and contributing factors were characterized, and strategies
and responsibilities for reducing malnutrition were identified
as a basis for concerted national and international action.
The World Declaration and Plan of Action
for Nutrition that the world's governments adopted at the ICN
identifies nine goals and nine strategies as global priority
nutrition
action areas. The World Health Assembly subsequently endorsed
these goals and strategies in their entirety (resolution WHA46.7).
The World Declaration and Plan of Action
characterizes the multisectoral causality and nature of all types
of malnutrition, as well as the multisectoral, multi-programmatic
strategies and responsibilities of governments and the
international community for reducing and eliminating malnutrition.
At the same time, the goals and strategies form a concise prioritized
framework, which serves as a platform from
which WHO's own health-focused objectives, strategies and activities
can be mutually reinforced.
The World Food Summit (Rome, 1996) reiterated
and reinforced the validity of these goals and strategies.
World Declaration on Nutrition
Nine goals
As a basis for the Plan of Action for Nutrition
and guidance for formulation of national plans of action, including
the development of measurable goals and objectives within time
frames, we [the Ministers and Plenipotentiaries]
Pledge to make all efforts to eliminate
before the end of this decade:
Famine and famine-related deaths.
Starvation and nutritional deficiency diseases in communities
affected by natural and man-made disasters.
Iodine and vitamin A deficiencies.
We also pledge to reduce substantially
within this decade:
Starvation and widespread chronic hunger.
Undernutrition, especially among children, women and the aged.
Other important micronutrient deficiencies, including iron.
Diet-related communicable and noncommunicable diseases.
Social and other impediments to optimal breastfeeding.
Inadequate sanitation and poor hygiene, including unsafe drinking-water.
Nine action-oriented strategies
Incorporating nutritional objectives, considerations
and components into development policies and programmes.
Improving household food security.
Protecting consumers through improved food quality and safety.
Preventing and managing infectious diseases.
Promoting breastfeeding.
Caring for the socioeconomically deprived and nutritionally vulnerable.
Preventing and controlling specific micronutrient deficiencies.
Promoting appropriate diets and healthy lifestyles.
Assessing, analysing and monitoring nutrition situations.
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