Collective Action Plan For Nutrition Data
Photo: © UN Women/Ryan Brown
Tackling Malnutrition Through Data-Driven Action
Malnutrition is one of the leading contributors to child illness, mortality, impaired growth, reduced cognitive development, and long-term health challenges. It limits human potential and slows progress for entire communities. One powerful solution is to strengthen the nutrition data value chain to make sure the right data is collected, shared, and used effectively.
Why Nutrition Data Matters
- Identifies priority needs and vulnerable populations
- Informs evidence-based policies and programs
- Drives the efficient allocation of resources to maximize return on investments
- Improves short, immediate, and long-term health outcomes
Donor investments and concerted efforts by countries have improved the availability and use of nutrition data in several countries. Yet, many low- and middle-income countries do not have the resources needed to strengthen their nutrition data systems. Global funding cuts have only amplified this challenge.
The ACTION DATA Plan Is Open for Public Comment!
The draft ACTION DATA Plan was launched at the Micronutrient Forum 7th Global Conference (#MNF2026) on 30 September 2026, in the plenary session Safeguarding Data for Nutrition Amid Funding Constraints. It is now open for public comment.
Developed through an extensive collaborative multistakeholder process, the Plan sets out ten problem statements and the priority actions needed to address them across the nutrition data value chain.
We want to hear from you. Comments are especially welcome on the priority actions, suggestions for case studies that could be featured, and input on organizational work that could be reflected in the plan. Feedback received will shape the final version.
A Collective Solution: An Action Plan for Nutrition Data
DInA and the World Bank worked with the full breadth of the nutrition community to develop the Collective ACTION Plan for Nutrition DATA (ACTION DATA Plan) that will chart a path toward a responsive, country-owned, and user-centric nutrition data ecosystem. The Plan serves as a collective reference point for stakeholders, helping them work together more efficiently, align actions and resources, and foster innovations to strengthen the nutrition data value chain in low- and middle-income countries.
It outlines a consensus on strategies and priorities to improve how nutrition data are collected, analyzed, and applied, serving as a practical resource that can be continuously updated. The aim is concrete investment opportunities for donors, improved coordination among stakeholders, and stronger cross-country and regional collaboration.
How We Got Here
To take stock of the impact of donor funding cuts on micronutrient data and its use, DlnA and DataDENT convened a stakeholder meeting in June 2025. Data stakeholders discussed data losses, priority actions amid reduced funding, and innovations to fill gaps from data prioritization to use. The meeting laid the groundwork for the development of a collective action plan.
In August 2025, DlnA hosted a stakeholder meeting at IUNS, where participants agreed to broaden the action plan to encompass all nutrition data, avoiding siloed approaches and promoting integrated and multisectoral nutrition information systems.
How to Get Involved
Share your feedback on the Plan using the public comment page. To learn more, please reach out at [email protected] or join the Micronutrient Forum’s mailing list to receive periodic updates about ACTION DATA.
