NEPAL NUTRITION AND FOOD SECURITY PORTAL

Nutrition and food security have been identified as crucial for national development, and the Government of Nepal has accorded them the highest priority. The fundamental right to food is enshrined in Nepal’s Constitution (2015), underscoring our commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing adequate food and essential nutrition services. Various national policies and strategic documents, including the 16th Plan (2024/25-2028/29), National Nutrition Strategy (2020), National Health Policy (2019), Agriculture Development Strategy (2015-2035), and the Zero Hunger Challenge National Action Plan (2016-2025), further reaffirm this commitment. Nepal’s early adoption of the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement in 2011 reflects our dedication to a country-led, multisectoral approach to improving nutrition through the Multi-Sector Nutrition Plan (MSNP).

Following the successful implementation of MSNP-I (2013-2017) and MSNP-II (2018-2022), MSNP-III (2023-2030) is now under implementation across all 753 local levels with strong support from sectoral ministries and valuable financial and technical assistance from development partners, particularly the European Union and UNICEF. MSNP-III envisions ‘Ending malnutrition and developing human capital for overall socio-economic development.’

Nepal has made remarkable progress in reducing malnutrition, particularly stunting and underweight in children under five. Stunting has declined from 57% in 2001 to 25% in 2022, wasting from 11% to 8%, and underweight from 42% to 19% in the same period. However, progress is not advancing at the necessary speed, scale, or equity to meet global nutrition targets (WHA 2025 and SDG 2030). Inequities in malnutrition persist across provinces, locations, ages, sexes, education levels, and economic statuses. Additionally, the rising prevalence of overweight and obesity among women, children, and adolescents due to dietary shifts is a growing concern. Climate-related crises further threaten food security and nutrition. To drive transformative change and ensure nutrition equity, we must reform the systems and structures hindering MSNP’s success and intensify our efforts.

For collective, data-driven decision-making, credible and updated information must be easily accessible. The Nepal Nutrition and Food Security Portal (NNFSP) is envisioned as a centralized knowledge management hub, serving as a single point of access for integrated, comprehensive, and up-to-date information on nutrition and food security. This portal will provide valuable data, resources, events, and news while linking sectoral ministries, development partners, INGOs, and information management systems. It will highlight Nepal’s ongoing efforts to enhance nutrition and food security, ensuring stakeholders can access organized and structured information for effective decision-making.

With great pleasure, I announce that the National Planning Commission (NPC) is hosting the Nepal Nutrition and Food Security Portal. By simplifying access to critical information, we enable the government and development partners to streamline their operations and collaborate effectively for better nutrition outcomes. I urge all stakeholders to contribute timely and accurate data to support the continuous development and optimal utilization of this portal. NPC remains committed to providing the necessary support for its smooth operation and sustainability. Together, let us prioritize children’s right to nutrition and build a more equitable and sustainable future.