Holding No-one Back: The Nutrition Equity Framework in Theory and Practice

Abstract

Equity remains poorly conceptualised in current nutrition frameworks and policy approaches. We draw on existing literatures to present a novel Nutrition Equity Framework (NEF) that can be used to identify priorities for nutrition research and action.

The framework illustrates how social and political processes structure the food, health and care environments most important to nutrition. Central to the framework are processes of unfairness, injustice and exclusion as the engine of nutrition inequity across place, time and generations, ultimately influencing both nutritional status and people's space to act.

The NEF illustrates conceptually how action on the socio-political determinants of nutrition is the most fundamental and sustainable way of improving nutrition equity for everyone everywhere, through ‘equity-sensitive nutrition’. Efforts must ensure, in the words of the Sustainable Development Goals, that not only is “no one left behind” but also that the inequities and injustices we describe do not hold anyone back from realising their right to healthy diets and good nutrition.