Toronto, CANADA – Nutrition International welcomes the Government of Canada’s investment of $360.6M to support high impact nutrition programming over the next six years. This catalytic investment will save lives, improve health and generate both education and economic outcomes in over 60 countries, primarily in Asia and Africa.

“Tackling malnutrition holds the key to building a better, more stable and prosperous world that works for everyone,” said Joel Spicer, President and CEO, Nutrition International. “This investment will protect future generations, challenge the status quo and strengthen the foundation for economic development globally. Canada is leaning in at a critical time – this is what global leadership looks like.”

Canada’s funding is an anchor investment in Nutrition International’s new investment case; a bold plan to improve millions of people’s lives by investing in high-impact, evidence-based interventions with measurable impact. With an average return of $28 for every $1 invested, these nutrition interventions offer some of the highest returns in global development, laying the groundwork for improved education and human capital outcomes while driving down health care costs to countries and individuals.

“We are not only talking about reaching 150 million children with essential nutrition support. We are also talking about good jobs for 140 people here in Canada,” said the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development. “Now and in the years to come, I know the funding announced today will continue to build a brighter future that benefits all of us.”

Malnutrition is a tax on human potential, one that disproportionately impacts those living in vulnerable situations. Good nutrition lays the foundation for a better world — it builds resilience to shocks, reduces inequities and strengthens communities. It fuels educational attainment and women’s empowerment while saving lives, improving health and promoting economic growth.

“Nutrition International’s Second Investment Case is designed to accelerate progress towards the SDGs and World Health Assembly Global Nutrition Targets. The goals are ambitious – but our technical acumen, increasing influence, and role as an expert ally to governments around the world make them achievable.” said David de Ferranti, Nutrition International Board Chair. “Canada’s support is a validation of Nutrition International’s track-record, expertise, and growing capability – and we are grateful for Canada’s constancy in nutrition.”

This funding announcement reaffirms Canada’s longstanding commitment to reducing the burden of malnutrition and underscores its leadership in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through its investment case, Nutrition International is seeking to raise $1 billion for nutrition by 2031 – and in doing so generate significant, lasting social and economic benefits.

Fully funded, Nutrition International’s Investment Case 2025-2031 will have the following impacts:

Health impacts:

• 50M cases of anaemia averted in adolescent girls, children, pregnant women and women of reproductive age
• 4M cases of stunting prevented among children under five
• 750K child deaths averted

Human capital:

• 29M children gain additional IQ points and an improved ability to learn
• 4M children receive at least one additional year of schooling

Economic benefits:

• $116B in total economic benefits generated. This includes:
  • $5B in healthcare costs to countries saved by preventing disability and disease
  • $2B in out-of-pocket expenses to individuals and families saved by preventing disability and disease
• $1B in additional financing leveraged for nutrition

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