Embracing a multisectoral approach to nutrition in Bangladesh

Seventeen-year-old Fatema (pseudonym) from Cox's Bazar was married at 16, due to family pressure. Now pregnant, she faces additional complications due to her age as she prepares for early motherhood. 

Early pregnancies amplify the risks of malnutrition for both mother and child. Addressing these risks is just one example of the comprehensive efforts needed to combat malnutrition in the country. 

Malnutrition remains a formidable barrier to Bangladesh's development, adversely affecting the health and productivity of millions of its citizens. Despite notable progress in various socioeconomic indicators, malnutrition persists as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. 

Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive, multisectoral approach that engages various stakeholders across different sectors. Such an approach is essential for improving public health, fostering economic growth and improving prosperity in the nation. 

The economic implications of malnutrition are profound and far-reaching. Malnutrition, particularly among children and pregnant women, results in significant healthcare costs, reduced educational attainment and diminished productivity. Nearly half of deaths among children under five years of age are linked to undernutrition. These mostly occur in low- and middle-income countries. 

In Bangladesh, where approximately 31% of children under five are stunted and 22% are underweight, these statistics translate into a substantial economic burden.

Effectively combating all forms of malnutrition requires a multisectoral approach. This approach works by fostering strong coordination among all government departments involved in nutrition-related initiatives. By integrating efforts across public health, social safety nets, education and agriculture, we can create a holistic strategy that addresses the root causes of malnutrition. 

This approach ensures that interventions are more comprehensive, reach the most vulnerable populations and foster sustainable change. The multisectoral approach addresses immediate nutrition while also building a foundation for long-term health, economic stability and social wellbeing.

Adopting a multisectoral approach for nutrition 

One critical component of the AMAN (Adopting a Multisectoral Approach for Nutrition) project implemented by Nutrition International, with funding from the government of Canada, is to strengthen nutrition services within Bangladesh's public health system. 

Malnutrition rates in Cox's Bazar are high, with 32.7% of residents living below the poverty line, 29% of children underweight, and 35% of children stunted. By integrating nutritional considerations into routine healthcare AMAN aims to prevent malnutrition-related health issues from the outset. 

When citizens receive essential nutrients, it reduces the burden of malnutrition on the healthcare system, improving public health services. This improvement can help lead communities towards better health outcomes, increased productivity and reduced healthcare costs, contributing to overall national prosperity. 

Social safety nets play a crucial role in protecting the most at-risk populations, such as children, pregnant women and the elderly, from the adverse effects of malnutrition. This is why a vital aspect of the AMAN initiative is to integrate nutritional elements into social safety net programs. 

These programs engage local communities in the design and implementation of nutrition and health interventions and activities. They amplify the project's outcomes by fostering and enhancing local government capacity and ensuring that interventions are tailored to the community's specific needs. This leads to sustainable improvements in nutrition and overall wellbeing. 

By addressing malnutrition's impact on vulnerable groups, these programs can ensure universal access to essential nutritional support, reinforcing nutrition as a fundamental right for all citizens. Empowering these groups through enhanced nutrition leads to improved health, education and economic outcomes, which helps break the cycle of poverty and malnutrition.

The implications of malnutrition are far beyond health alone. Malnutrition hinders economic growth by reducing labour productivity, increasing healthcare costs, and perpetuating cycles of poverty. According to the World Bank, malnutrition can reduce a country's economic advancement by at least 8% due to lost productivity and direct healthcare costs. By improving the nutritional status of a population, we can enhance cognitive development, increase school performance, and boost workforce productivity, thereby driving economic growth and development.

Coordinating efforts among diverse sectors presents both challenges and opportunities. Effective communication, resource allocation and policy alignment are essential for the success of a multisectoral approach. Overcoming these challenges requires strong leadership, commitment, and collaboration among government agencies, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, and communities. However, the potential benefits of such coordination are immense, offering opportunities for innovation, efficiency and more impactful interventions.

For sustainable change, multisectoral nutrition actions must be well coordinated and consistently implemented. Integrating nutrition into various sectors' policies and programs ensures a comprehensive approach to tackling malnutrition. This includes promoting nutrition-sensitive agriculture, enhancing education on healthy eating, and supporting economic policies that improve food security and access to nutritious foods. 

The AMAN project exemplifies how such a multisectoral strategy can be operationalised to create a healthier and more prosperous Bangladesh.

The challenges faced by people living in vulnerable situations, such as young mothers, highlight the critical need for a unified approach to tackling malnutrition. By addressing malnutrition through strengthened public health services, empowered social safety nets, and coordinated efforts across multiple sectors, Bangladesh can ensure a healthier future for all citizens.

These efforts are not just about improving individual lives — they are essential for the nation's health, prosperity, and development. Let us commit to a multisectoral approach that ensures every individual can thrive and reach their full potential. Together, we can build a healthier, more equitable, and prosperous Bangladesh for future generations.

Sketch:TBS

Saiqa Siraj is the Country Director - Bangladesh of Nutrition International.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.