Governments experience a heavy burden of malnutrition that manifests in form of either undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies or obesity. These issues complexities are accentuated by rapid urbanization, globalization, poverty and powerful corporate interests .The malnutrition burden , specifically under-nutrition causes childhood stunting and wasting. whereas micro-nutrient deficiencies present with conditions such as anaemia, scurvy, rickets, goitre etc. In parallel, there is a spike in diet-related non-communicable diseases like heart disease, diabetes due to the extensive availability of inexpensiv ultra-processed food products: Multiple governments frequently undergo these challenges and are forced upon to implement measures with urgency.
The malnutrition burden is further exarcabated by other notable factors. Administrative inadequacies and budget limitations prompt the under-utilization of state funds, hindering the enforcement of programs targeting malnutrition.Inadequate infrastructural facilities impede the timely distribution and storage of food leading to food shortages, nutritional instability, and in turn high food prices.
In regard to the spread of the obesity epidemic, corporate influence has contributed significantly owing to its impediments to the implementation of labelling restrictions and heavy marketing towards refined foods. Further, the wide availability and accessibility of processed foods has increased the consumption rate of refined food products.
The lack of nutrition knowledge among most community members has led to the limited recognition of nutrition issues. Governments may therefore face a challenge identifying the extent of actual nutrition issues on the ground. This in addtion to cultural ideologies and taboos further undermine the essence of nutrition.
Governments especially those in developing countries, have inadequate access to clean water and sanitation.Hence, water shortages are common and water-borne illnesses occur often. Maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation standards becomes difficult further increasing the risk of food and water contamination illnesses.
For governments to addresss nutrition challenges successfully , they have to involve a multi-sectoral approach comprising the agriculture, education, nutrition and health sectors. The co-ordination between these sectors ensures that related policies are effective and congruous. By educating their citizens, nutrition challenges can easily be identified and managed.