The latest calculations show that 45 million children under the age of five suffer from acute malnutrition (SAM), the world’s deadliest form of malnutrition. Reports also suggest that the world is not on track to reach either Seven global nutrition goals by 2030. Hunger is still on the rise in many African countries, and despite decades of progress, hunger and malnutrition crises are now worsening. In addition to increasing investment in vital interventions to prevent malnutrition in the first place, we need new, innovative treatment solutions to reverse this trend. At The Power of Nutrition, we believe there is a solution sitting right under our noses.
Children suffering from SAM are traditionally treated using ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF). RUTF is an energy dense paste made from a blend of peanuts, milk powder and nutrients and is incredibly effective – With a 90 percent recovery rate. But its big problems are availability and cost; approx One in three children with SAM has access to it. Most RUTF is produced in Europe, where ingredients such as powdered milk are more readily available, but where there is generally less need to treat malnutrition for children.
Our partners at VALID Nutrition have reinvented this recipe with these challenges in mind. A new, plant-based alternative promises to lower costs, improve access, strengthen local economies and be kinder to the planet. Advantages include:
- Reducing costs and increasing accessibility: the new recipe is made using locally available soybeans, corn and sorghum, a plant-based RUTF solvent that can be produced in countries where the need for treatment is high.
- Economic prosperity: supporting local employment and boosting the local economy by producing the product where it is used.
- Kinder to the planet: by adding plant-based ingredients and low transport costs, it significantly reduces carbon emissions – saving up to 78% over a traditional recipe.
The key question is whether plant-based RUTF is as effective in treating SAM as the standard prescription. The answer is a resounding yes. Recent studies show that It is effective in the treatment of SAM and actually more effective in treating anemia!
Moving forward, the most important thing is to get plant-based RUTF to the children who need it most. As with all innovations, it’s not enough to just have a great idea, you need the support of partners. Private sector partners can make a vital difference by acting as a catalyst for this much-needed change. Standard RUTF has been treating malnourished children for the past 20 years and has done amazing work – but now is an opportunity for businesses to bring a new player to the market and be at the forefront of changing how we can save more children’s lives. Businesses can act as a driving force for new, evidence-based product introductions that support multiple ESG practices and SDG goals. In addition, the voices of businesses are critical in providing support and advice on marketing, business planning, building, managing and strengthening the supply chain.
It’s time for action. We must collectively work towards a future where children do not die needlessly from malnutrition. When the solution comes in the form of products that improve economies and job prospects while also being climate friendly, we can no longer ignore that.
