Bhutan has launched a bold new initiative, the “Nourishing Bhutan – Framework for Action”, aimed at combating the country’s growing challenge of child malnutrition in all its forms: undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and the rapid rise of overweight and obesity among children.
The move comes in response to alarming findings from a recent UNICEF report, which revealed that the proportion of overweight and obese children aged 5–19 in Bhutan has tripled over the past two decades, climbing from 6% in 2000 to 18% in 2022. The report also noted that girls are disproportionately affected by this trend.
While Bhutan has made measurable progress in reducing undernutrition, persistent challenges remain. High rates of anemia among children and adolescent girls, along with continuing issues of stunting, wasting, and underweight in some communities, underline the urgency for a coordinated national response.
A Multi-Sectoral Strategy for a Healthier Future
The framework sets out a comprehensive plan that calls for collaboration across health, education, agriculture, and finance sectors. Its priorities include improving maternal and child nutrition, promoting healthier food environments, strengthening food systems, and expanding hospital-based nutrition services.
At the launch event, Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay underscored the significance of the program, warning that the health of Bhutan’s children is inseparable from the country’s long-term prosperity. “We must address the root causes of malnutrition,” he said, “because our children’s well-being determines Bhutan’s future.”
Commitment from Stakeholders
A high-level roundtable discussion accompanied the launch, where policymakers, health experts, and development partners agreed on urgent next steps. These include tightening regulations on unhealthy food marketing, boosting investment in school and community meal programs, and leveraging data and technology to monitor progress more effectively.
UNICEF Representative Rushnan Murtaza stressed the risks of growing unhealthy food consumption, warning of both physical health impacts and potential damage to children’s self-esteem. “Creating healthier environments for children is critical,” she said, calling for sustained action at every level of society.
With Nourishing Bhutan now in motion, the government and its partners hope to reverse troubling trends and ensure that every child in the country has the opportunity to grow up healthy, strong, and well-nourished.
