One in three people globally suffers from at least one form of malnutrition, and the economic loss attributable to bad nutrition is estimated at US$ 3.5 trillion per year. Recent research on the worldwide burden of disease found that a suboptimal diet is responsible for more deaths than any other risk, including smoking. As a global health issue, there is no more critical issue to be addressed by the world’s parliaments.

To address the challenge, the IPU has published its 32nd Handbook for Parliamentarians, Food Systems and Nutrition, to provide lawmakers with practical guidance on legislative processes that prioritize nutrition. The handbook was produced in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization and in collaboration with the Scaling Up Nutrition Movement, the World Heath Organization, United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development.