Addressing malnutrition in all its forms in Africa requires a radical paradigm shift

Summary

Low-quality diets are a major driver of health loss, surpassing all other risk factors that contribute to the global burden of disease. Current food systems do not ensure access to nutritious, safe, and affordable foods for a large proportion of Africa’s population, undermining productivity, prosperity, and well-being. The syndemic of obesity, undernutrition, and climate change, exacerbated by global and local conflicts, is likely to reach devastating proportions if mitigating action is not taken. To improve health and nutrition for all, it is imperative to bring a healthy diet perspective into the conversation of how to feed Africa’s growing population. A shift to sustainable healthy diets (SHDs) through food system transformation is key to combat all forms of malnutrition in an equitable manner. This requires a radical paradigm shift in food production and value chain development, accompanied by shifts in consumer food choices, to lead food systems towards SHD for all African people in 2050.