The Asia-Pacific region is home to over 70% of the world’s wasted children, with over 31 million children becoming wasted each year. The deleterious impact of COVID-19 may further exacerbate these figures. As a result, the growth, survival, and development of millions of children is at risk. Most countries in the region are not on track to meet the SDG target to maintain or reduce the prevalence of wasting to <5% by 2025 and to <3% by 2030. Numerous countries throughout the region are poised to implement policy shifts and scale-up efforts to prevent and treat wasting. However, more actions are needed to meet the SDG goals.
UNICEF, WFP, FAO, and WHO convened a virtual high-level advocacy meeting on 14 July 2021 to identify required actions to accelerate progress in preventing and treating child wasting. The meeting brought together over 300 participants from the region and beyond, representing governments, academia, UN agencies, and local and international nongovernmental organizations.