UNICEF Alerts: Falling Donor Funds Threaten Uganda's Child Nutrition Gains

UNICEF has raised the alarm over declining donor funding that could jeopardize child nutrition efforts across Uganda, leaving millions of children vulnerable as malnutrition rates climb.

At the 2nd National Nutrition Financing Dialogue in Kampala, UNICEF Country Representative Dr. Robin Nandy stressed that nutrition is vital for child survival, brain development, and future productivity, yet it suffers from chronic underfunding and heavy reliance on foreign aid.

Global shifts in aid priorities have cut support to nations like Uganda, where child stunting has dipped slightly from 29% to 26%, but undernourishment has surged dramatically—from 4.7 million affected in 2006 to 14.5 million in 2022.

Severe food insecurity now impacts over 11 million Ugandans, with nearly 300,000 children under five experiencing wasting, contributing to 45% of child deaths.

Concerns are especially acute in refugee settlements, where budget cuts are already limiting food and nutrition services. World Vision Uganda’s national director, Mr. Jeremiah Nyagah, highlighted the irony of abundant market food alongside persistent malnutrition, pointing to access and deeper systemic issues.

Civil society leaders like Ms. Ritah Kabanyoro of Action Against Hunger called for action over talk, emphasizing practical steps, community education, and better policy execution amid coordination weaknesses.

Prof. Pamela Kasabiiti Mbabazi from the National Planning Authority noted the strong economic case: each dollar invested in nutrition could yield up to $34 in returns.

Participants pressed the government to elevate nutrition in budgets and pursue creative funding solutions to close gaps and protect fragile advancements.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)