The African Union (AU) and Nutrition International have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), toward a shared vision to end hunger, poverty and malnutrition in Africa.

The MoU was signed at AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia by H.E. Minata Samate Cessouma the Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development at the African Union Commission and Mr. Joel C. Spicer the Nutrition International’s President and CEO.

Through the MoU, the AU and Nutrition International have agreed to work together in several areas, including nutrition advocacy and in tracking the progress made by member states in the implementation of the 2014 Malabo Declaration on Nutrition security to achieve inclusive economic growth and sustainable development in Africa. Other areas include; technical assistance to enhance the capacity of member states in domestic resource mobilization, data collection and analysis in Africa – as well as matters on adolescent nutrition, anaemia and integration of social safety net programs.

Speaking at the signing occasion, H.E. Minata Samate Cessouma acknowledged and appreciated the ongoing engagements with Nutrition International. “This MOU further strengthens the AU and Nutrition International collaborative efforts in prioritising and investing in nutrition both at the continental and national levels through a multisectoral and interdisciplinary approach and profoundly during this AU Year on Nutrition and beyond,” she said.

“Malnutrition is an urgent problem that is imposing a heavy tax on the hopes and dreams of millions of people in Africa, particularly women, children, and adolescents,” said Mr. Spicer. “To face the growing threats of COVID-19, conflict, and climate and to build a strong and resilient future for Africa, nutrition must be prioritized. The key ingredient is leadership – and that is the reason we are excited to formally partner with the AU to advance the nutrition agenda in support of the Year of Nutrition,” he noted.

The partnership could not have been timelier as 2022 was endorsed as the year of nutrition dedicated to strengthening the fight against malnutrition in all its forms in Africa under the theme “Strengthening Resilience in Nutrition and Food Security on the African Continent: Strengthening Agro-Food Systems, Health and Social Protection Systems for the Acceleration of Human, Social and Economic Capital Development”. The MOU will be operationalized through a joint action plan including the year of nutrition interventions and commitments.

About the African Union:

The African Union spearheads Africa’s development and integration in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens. The AU Vision is to accelerate progress towards an integrated, prosperous and inclusive Africa, at peace with itself, playing a dynamic role in the continental and global arena, effectively driven by an accountable, efficient and responsive Commission.

Learn more: https://au.int/en

About Nutrition International

Nutrition International is a global nutrition organization headquartered in Ottawa, Canada. For 30 years, we have focused on delivering low-cost, high-impact, nutrition interventions to people in need. Working alongside governments as an expert ally, we combine deep technical expertise with a flexible approach, increasing impact without increasing complexity or cost. Our Investment Case, the first for a nutrition organization, showcases our low-cost, high-impact approach as well as our health and human capital impacts. Learn more: https://www.nutritionintl.org/

For further media inquiries, please contact:

1. Ms. Dorothy Njagi | Strategic Communication Expert, Directorate of Health and Humanitarian Affairs | Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, African Union Commission | Mobile: +251940559950 | E-mail: njagid@africa-union.org
2. Mr.Titus Mung’ou, Regional Advocacy & Communications Manager | Nutrition International Africa Regional Office Avenue 5, 1st Floor, Rose Avenue, Off Lenana Road, P.O. Box, 22296 – 00505 Nairobi, Kenya | Cell +254 722866830 | Email: tmungou@nutritionintl.org
3. Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communications Directorate | E-mail: GamalK@africa-union.org

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
Web: au.int.int | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube