The Public Health Challenge of Ending Malnutrition: The Relevance of the World Health Organization’s GINA Database

Abstract

In order to address malnutrition, implementation of nutrition actions is needed. While academic institutions will certainly play a part, strong coordination and leadership from major United Nations agencies are needed. To this effect, the World Health Organization has launched a Global Database on the Implementation of Nutrition Action (GINA). It contains information collected from various sources, including direct submissions by users. Users can share information on how programs are implemented, including country adaptations and lessons learnt. GINA allows users to share implementation experience in order to identify overlaps and gaps, to foster discussion toward improved planning and to promote good practices. The aim of this article is to highlight the relevance of the GINA database in meeting the public health challenge of ending malnutrition and, therefore, to encourage users from different countries to enter programs and policies in the database.