Building Partnerships
The cost of malnutrition
3.5 per cent of GDP is both the cost of healthcare and lost productivity. “Micronutrient deficiencies alone may cost India US$2.5 billion annually and the productivity losses (manual work only) from stunting, iodine deficiency, and iron deficiency together are responsible for a total loss of 2.95 per cent of GDP.” (S. Horton, 1999 in World Bank 2006).
Positive impact on the whole value chain
Fighting malnutrition reduces healthcare costs and catalyzes improvements in different economic sectors, such as agriculture and the local food industry. It has a positive impact on the whole value chain and the elimination of malnutrition would grow GDP of developing countries by 41 per cent over 10 years. As well as offering local economic benefits and growth there are programs and initiatives that provide clear, demonstrable results in the short term (as little as six months) and the long term, thus supporting political commitments.
Health benefits are clear
The health benefits are equally clear. For example, spina bifida is reduced after the fortification of wheat flour with folic acid and eliminating vitamin A deficiency alone will save 16 per cent of the global burden of disease in children (Darnton-Hill, 2005). GAIN provides both the knowledge and the experience required to change policy, it mobilizes international support to encourage partnerships and help overcome obstacles to food fortification at the national level. Malnutrition is a major global issue and governments must fight it to achieve international development goals. With the proper nutrition, people, communities and economies become stronger.
