Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Youth Network launched

Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Youth Network, a youth-driven effort to advance the scaling-up nutrition approach, has been launched in the country, in order to engage youth in food systems transformation and create awareness on safe and nutritious foods.   

The launching ceremony was held at a hotel at Gulshan-2 in the capital yesterday (Sunday) evening, according to a media release.     

Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) is the secretariat for this network under the leadership of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare aligning with different ministries and networks.

SUN initiative aims to empower young people with the skills they need to advocate for an end to malnutrition in the country. SUN initiative continues to highlight the importance of nutrition, which is integral to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).    

In a bid to make a malnutrition-free country, youths will act as nutrition ambassadors by raising awareness on safe foods and nutrition across the country including in educational institutions. 

The focal point for SUN Youth Network Bangladesh and Project Coordinator at GAIN, Mehedi Hasan Bappy shared the dream of this network which includes empowering youth and adolescents on food systems and nutrition knowledge and skills in 40 districts including Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Cox's Bazar, Gazipur, Kushtia, Lalmonirhat, Gaibandha.

Receiving necessary training, the network members will impart training to other youths on the issue and take collective action projects at the community level, the release says. 

The network members will also advocate and motivate the government and businessmen for ensuring safe foods and nutrition, which are linked to good health and wellbeing.

Md Saidur Rahman, Secretary, Health Services Division, Ministry of Health and Welfare, attended the launching ceremony as the chief guest, while Md. Rezaul Maksud Jahedy, Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports, was present as guest of honour.

Chaired by Sheikh Momena Moni, Additional Secretary and Sun Focal, Health Services Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Md. Mamunur Rashid, Joint Secretary, Health Services Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Rudaba Khondker, Country Director, GAIN, among others, spoke on the occasion.

In her address, Dr. Rudaba Khondker stressed on collective efforts of all for achieving success in the campaign for safe foods and nutrition.  

Md. Rezaul Maksud Jahedy, in his speech, called for utilizing the innovative power of youths for changing the food habit.

Saying that many people are now suffering from chronic malnutrition in the country, he underscored the change in the policy issue.      

While speaking, chief guest Md Saidur Rahman emphasized coordination among all the ministries.

"We have to raise awareness on unhealthy foods and drinks", he said, stressing coordination among different programmes. 

Putting an emphasis on awareness campaigns, he said we have to work together for ensuring healthy foods for people across the country.

The event was told that Bangladesh is one of the countries impacted by malnutrition. In Bangladesh, access to healthy and sustainable diseases is critical for achieving the 2030 target of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2, 3, 12, and 13

According to the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2022, stunting affects  24 per cent of children in rural areas, 22 per cent in urban areas, and 24 percent nationally.

Moreover, underweight prevalence is 22.8 per cent in rural areas, 21 per cent in urban areas, and 22 per cent nationally, the release adds.