Joint Statement on Nutrition in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic Latin America and the Caribbean - February 2021

Overview

The COVID-19 crisis poses a threat to all components of the food system, placing at risk the nutritional well-being of the populations of countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.  The crisis threatens food availability and the physical and economic access to quality food, leading to higher consumption of ultra-processed or prepackaged products, and shifting consumption patterns towards less diversified diets. COVID-19 poses a higher risk in people with obesity and other chronic non-communicable diseases. Additionally, access to nutrition-related services, including screening, treatment and counseling is also at risk in this crisis.

PAHO has joined with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP) to issue a "Joint statement on nutrition in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic – Latin America and the Caribbean", calling upon all governments, civil society organizations, and the donor community to protect and prioritize the nutritional status of all individuals.  The Statement sets out five core recommended actions.