Helen Keller Intl Joins Partners at Nutrition for Growth in Affirming Commitment to Combat Malnutrition

Hunger remains the greatest threat to a child’s life. Malnutrition drives 45% of child deaths, and those who survive often face life-long impacts on their health and development. Together, we have made significant advances in the fight against malnutrition over the past few decades. Now, that progress is at risk due to climate change, conflict, and economic and political instability, including cuts to development programs.

The 2025 Nutrition for Growth Summit offers a critical opportunity to recommit to the global goal of ending malnutrition. Helen Keller Intl and Helen Keller Europe are proud to stand with like-minded leaders, governments, and organizations to pledge our ongoing support and partnership.

Today, we are making four commitments to invest in families and future generations. Helen Keller will:

1. In partnership with and through the support of GiveWell and other donors, commit at least $35 million USD per year to reach around 40 million children between 6-59 months of age with vitamin A supplementation twice per year between 2025 and 2027 to reduce child mortality.
2. Prioritize the transition from iron-folic acid to multiple micronutrient supplements for pregnant women in at least six countries by 2028 to improve maternal and infant nutrition and survival.
3. Promote and build food fortification programs in at least five countries with a high burden of micronutrient deficiencies by 2028 as a simple, cost-effective way to improve nutrition.
4. Advocate for domestic resource allocation for nutrition-specific interventions in the national budgets of at least 50% of the countries where Helen Keller works by 2028 to ensure access to lifesaving malnutrition prevention and treatment.

We know what works to prevent and treat malnutrition. At a time when many countries are reviewing their contributions to global health, it is more important than ever to work together to accelerate progress and invest in proven solutions.

If we do not prioritize the fight against malnutrition now, we risk backsliding or slowing progress to the detriment of children around the world. Any delays in providing critical nutrition will immediately increase the threats to children’s health and lives. This is a crucial moment to commit to action to end malnutrition together.