An action framework

NHD's mission

In light of these challenges and trends NHD aims at building and implementing a science-based, comprehensive, integrated and action/policy-oriented "Nutrition Agenda" at global, regional and country levels that addresses the whole spectrum of nutrition problems towards attaining the Millennium Development Goals and other nutrition-related international commitments, including the prevention the diet-related chronic diseases.

Strategic Approaches

Towards this aim, NHD's core function is to provide Member States and the international community with science-based norms, standards, recommendations and technical guidance. It is also to provide operational and political support to Member States for building their capacity in identifying problems and best policy options, implementing the required nutrition interventions, monitoring progress and assessing impact.

NHD acts globally and internationally to raise awareness and build alliances, networks and partnerships to support it's objectives.

NHD 10-step Rapid Action Plan

WHO's response is amalgamated in 10 Rapid Action Plan (RAP) to provide technical support aiming at improving .

the effectiveness of comprehensive and integrated national nutrition policies and programmes
the scaling up of measures to reach the nutrition-related components of MDG1, to improve child-survival (MDG4), and contribute to the attainment of all MDGs
the promotion of healthy diets through the life course and the reduction of obesity and diet-related chronic diseases
country-led response to HIV/AIDS to address the two-way impact of HIV/AIDS on food security.
10-step Rapid Action Plan

1. Building national capacity to develop food and nutrition policies
Develop food and nutrition policies and strategies into national agendas
Develop advocacy tools

2. Providing diagnostic reviews and country nutrition profiles

to provide governments with nutrition situation
diagnostic reviews and assessment tools
appropriate indicators
integrated nutrition database

3. Providing knowledge-based advisory services to policy makers and programme managers through practice communities

foster a learning community and network to access and share knowledge on nutrition
share critical areas for programme successes, exchange programme schemes and implementation guidelines

4. Optimizing fetal development

promote optimal foetal growth and development
reduce mortality and morbidity and health implication

5. Improving infant and young child feeding practices and the care of severely malnourished children

implementation of the Global Strategy for infant and young child feeding
WHO severe malnutrition case management guidelines
WHO estimates that reducing mortality 30–50% would be achievable over a period of 2–5 years (i.e. 2 million deaths per year could be prevented)

6. Recommending vitamin and mineral requirements for children up to three years

forge consensus on recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for 6–36 months
ensure adequate micronutrient where this is not possible through diet or fortified complementary food

7. Implementing guidelines on food fortification

guidance to government, food industry and civil society on vitamins and mineral fortification
develop rapid assessment protocol, training kits, national expects and so on

8. Developing scientific evidence, assessment and policy guidelines on obesity and nutrition in transition

assist countries in addressing obesity problem
indicators to monitor overweight in various age groups
database on dietary patterns
producing recommendations on nutritional intervention

9. Establishing nutrition friendly schools

promote adequate nutrition and healthy eating through schools to prevent malnutrition in all its forms – underweight, micronutrient deficiencies and obesity
set up global school-based nutrition agenda with set principles and strategies
guidelines and reference materials and a network of resource people

10. Ensuring the integration of nutrition into responses for people living with HIV/AIDS and people affected by conflicts and crisis.

integrate nutrition into essential care, treatment and support package for people living with HIV/AIDS
include global recommendations and practical nutrition assessment tools for home, community, health facility-based and emergency programmes
provide necessary technical guidance and support to governments and partners in countries affected by conflicts and crisis, in e.g. setting up or strengthening nutrition surveillance systems managing nutrition assessments and in capacity building on the improved management of severe malnutrition.