Malnutrition is a major and growing threat to global stability. It contributes to millions of child deaths each year, fuels conflict and displacement, and undermines economic growth, despite the existence of proven, scalable solutions. Nearly half of all child deaths are linked to malnutrition, yet less than 1% of global aid - before global aid cuts - is directed towards addressing it. At the same time, the world is becoming more constrained and volatile, with aid budgets under pressure, rising geopolitical tensions, and increasing instability. In this context, decisions about where and how governments invest matter more than ever.

The Eleanor Crook Foundation’s new report, UK Leadership on Malnutrition: A Building Block for Security and Stability, sets out why the UK should place malnutrition and food security at the centre of its development, security, and foreign policy agenda. Drawing on the Foundation’s experience supporting governments in countries such as Nepal and Ghana, it highlights how targeted, evidence-based interventions such as Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) and multiple micronutrient supplements can save lives at scale, strengthen health systems, reduce the drivers of conflict and forced migration, and advance UK diplomatic objectives. The report argues for an approach that is evidence-led, value-for-money, and grounded in genuine partnership with governments in the Global South.

At a time when development budgets have been cut and remain under strain, the question now must focus on how effectively resources are deployed. Malnutrition stands out as one of the most cost-effective and strategically aligned investments available, bridging development, economic growth, and national security.

The costs of inaction, human, economic, and geopolitical, are too significant to ignore. The case for action is clear: protect and prioritize malnutrition, treat it as a strategic investment, and lead internationally in doing so.