Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) Leads Transformation of Global Nutrition Agenda With $787 Million Investment

AsiaNet 53319

LONDON, June 9, 2013 /PRN=KYODO JBN/ --

    - Largest single investment to eradicate under-nutrition by a private

       Foundation

    - Hundreds of millions of children and families to benefit worldwide

    - Donors at Nutrition for Growth high level meeting secure new commitments

      of up  to $4.15 billion to tackle under-nutrition up to 2020

    The Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), one of the world's

largest philanthropic organisations, announced today an investment of $787

million that will transform the lives of hundreds of millions of children. The

investment marks a historic shift in international development priorities

driven by CIFF, the British Government and the Government of Brazil over the

last twelve months, which led to donors securing up to $4.15 billion in new

commitments to tackle under-nutrition up to 2020, at the Nutrition for Growth

high level meeting in London today.

    At the meeting, governments, private sector organisations and civil society

organisations also endorsed the Global Nutrition for Growth Compact, which

commits parties to scale up their political commitment, increase resources and

take urgent action on childhood and maternal under-nutrition, an area that has

been historically neglected by the international community.

    CIFF's $787 million investment is the largest single investment in the

eradication of under-nutrition by a private foundation in history. Nutrition is

one of CIFF's key priority areas, identified as delivering the greatest

large-scale, cost-effective benefit for the world's children. Investments in

nutrition also provide benefits in two other priority areas, Child Survival and

Educational Attainment.

    Jamie Cooper-Hohn, co-founder and CEO, Children's Investment Fund

Foundation (CIFF) said: "Today we have seen a historic shift with nutrition

taking its place at the heart of the health, education and economic development

agendas. The investments announced today will transform the lives of millions

of children as well as the economic growth and prosperity of nations."

    In 2011 nutrition represented just 0.4% of total overseas development

assistance, or $418m, despite evidence showing that in low and middle-incomes

countries, a quarter of under-5s are stunted, and 165 million stunted children

globally or 8%. 19 million children are severely wasted, while at least 3.1

million children die a year before the age of five as a result of

under-nutrition. Generation after generation, malnourished children have

developed into adults with their physical and intellectual capabilities

diminished, inhibiting global growth by as much as 11% of GNP in some countries.

    Investment in the scale-up of simple, cost-effective nutrition-specific

community interventions including exclusive breast-feeding, nutritional

supplements and hand-washing is proven to address nutrient deficiency in the

crucial 1,000 days between conception and the first two years of a child's

life, allowing brains and bodies to achieve their natural potential.

    At the country level, the Government of Brazil has reduced stunting among

under-5s from 37% to 7% in a decade. Eliminating under-nutrition globally would

cost $10 billion per year, and deliver an increase in GNP in Africa and Asia of

up to 11%, and 2-11% in Central America, with average returns of $15 for every

dollar spent, comparable to road-building or large-scale irrigation projects.

    CIFF's 7-year commitment focuses on high-impact investments that will be

delivered with clear objectives, using reliable evidence and implemented via

trial, monitoring and course correction.

    About Children's Investment Fund Foundation

    The Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) aims to demonstrably

improve the lives of children in developing countries by achieving large-scale,

sustainable impact. We believe that every child deserves to survive, thrive and

mature into adulthood in a supportive and safe environment.

    Headquartered in London, CIFF is an independent, philanthropic organisation

with an endowment of over $3.9bn in June 2013. Our staff and Trustees combine

the best of business and the best of development, bringing a wealth of

experience from both sectors to CIFF's work.

    SOURCE: Children's Investment Fund Foundation