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Support to Enhance Food Security and Nutrition and Encourage Healthy Eating Habits of Rural Communities in Papua New Guinea Through Piloting School Meal Programme - TCP/PNG/3805​

Year of publication 2025

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 8

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Project

Synopsis (short abstract) Papua New Guinea faces significant challenges with child malnutrition, including high rates of stunting, wasting, and obesity, linked to widespread food insecurity. In March 2021, the Comprehensive Health and Epidemiological Surveillance System reported a 13.8 percent wasting rate in children under five, much higher than the global average of 5.5 percent. Stunting and overweight rates are also alarmingly high at 46.5 percent and 29 percent, respectively, the highest in the Pacific region. Malnutrition, a pressing issue beyond the health sector's scope, hinders children's growth and brain development, leading to long-term negative effects on cognitive ability, academic performance, productivity, and future earnings. Poor diets are the root cause of all types of malnutrition, with its incidence varying by region and household income. The 2016-2026 National Nutrition Policy of Papua New Guinea identifies various causes of malnutrition, and stresses the need for a comprehensive, evidence-based strategy to address the issue, proposing a multi-sectoral approach with seven key objectives to improve nutrition for all Papua New Guineans.

Language English

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