Strategic framework to guide health and nutrition actions in response to increased malnutrition and health risks during food crises

The role and added value of the health sector during food crises are crucial in addressing the relationship between poor nutrition, disease and mortality during severe food shortages. As part of ongoing efforts to respond to food insecurity, the World Health Organization (WHO) developed this strategic framework to strengthen the capacities required for a prompt, effective and comprehensive health system response to save lives and protect the most vulnerable populations from increased nutrition and health risks arising during food crises.

The framework supports countries and WHO country offices in prioritizing interventions before and during food crises. It is structured around four interlinked strategic domains: emergency coordination, collaborative surveillance, community protection, and safe and scalable care. These domains provide guidance to strengthen multisectoral coordination, improve the generation and use of health and nutrition information, prevent and control health emergencies, and ensure access to essential nutrition and health services, with the overarching goal of mitigating the health and nutrition risks of food insecurity while strengthening health system resilience.