A confluence of overlapping crises and shocks has led to an unprecedented global food crisis threatening global food and nutrition security. According to the latest State of Food Security and Nutrition (SOFI) report, approximately 735 million people worldwide faced hunger in 2022—an astounding 122 million more than 2019. 

Vulnerable communities faced with hunger and inadequate diets also suffer from micronutrient deficiencies and on an enormous scale. The challenge is to tackle the current global food crisis and address urgent food and nutritional needs while also building the foundation for micronutrient resilience that will help protect the nutrition well-being of populations faced with protracted and/or recurring crises.

This white paper details the importance of including micronutrient nutrition in development and humanitarian assistance programs, and lays out some key actions by national governments, donors, and multi-lateral agencies that are needed to improve population micronutrient health.