Topic: 2026 – Combating Malnutrition
Country: China
Delegate Name: Amina Niang
Delegate: Aminata Niang
Country: The People’s Republic Of China
Committee: UNICEF
Topic: Combating Malnutrition
According to UNICEF, malnutrition contributes to nearly 45% of all deaths among children under 5 . In 2024, approximately 45 million children suffered from wasting, and 148 million experienced stunted growth(UNICEF), showing the scale of this global crisis. Malnutrition is an issue that includes undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and the growing challenge of childhood obesity. China has made progress in improving child nutrition through poverty alleviation, expanded health coverage, and national nutrition programs. However, challenges remain, particularly in rural and less developed areas. Globally, child malnutrition is linked to poverty, conflict, and economic downturn.
Addressing child malnutrition requires immediate action and long-term solutions. In conflict-affected areas, UNICEF-led humanitarian aid includes ready-to-eat therapeutic foods (RUFT) and micronutrient supplementation for children and pregnant or breastfeeding women. At the same time, lasting progress against malnutrition depends on the development and strengthening of national health and food systems to prevent it before it becomes life-threatening. China believes that they’re many ways to combat this crisis. First, expanding nutrition education through schools and community programs to promote balanced diets and healthy feeding practices for infants and children. Second, improving water, sanitation, and hygiene is essential, as unsafe and poor sanitation increases the risk of disease. Third, climate-resilient agriculture, such as drought-resistant crops and better storage to protect food security, is needed as climate change increases the risk of crop failure.
International cooperation is vital in ending malnutrition. Sharing technological advances in agriculture, training healthcare workers and locals in less accessible areas on proper nutritional practices, and helping countries design and manage their own nutrition sustainability programs. International assistance should be in partnership with governments. Respecting national sovereignty and local context improves program effectiveness and ensures that progress continues when support decreases.
In conclusion, the People’s Republic of China is committed to UNICEF’s mission to protect every child’s right to nutrition. Ending child malnutrition requires a balanced strategy that saves lives in emergencies while also building systems to prevent hunger and poor health long-term. By investing in strong healthcare systems, climate-resilient food systems, nutrition education, and international cooperation grounded in mutual respect, the global community can progress towards ending child malnutrition and securing a healthier and equitable future for all children.
World Health Organization: WHO. “Malnutrition.” World Health Organization: WHO, 14 Nov. 2019, https://www.who.int/health-topics/malnutrition.
“Nutrition.” UNICEF, https://www.unicef.org/nutrition. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
Huang, Xin, et al. “Improving Maternal and Child Nutrition in China: An Analysis of Nutrition Policies and Programs Initiated during the 2000-2015 Millennium Development Goals Era and Implications for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.” Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition, vol. 39, no. 1, Dec. 2020, p. 12, https://doi.org/10.1186/s41043-020-00221-y.
