Global nutrition security: the role of Veterinary Services

Disparities in nutrition security and the harmful health effects of malnutrition are pronounced as the world's population continues to rise and nutrition-related development falls short of targets. This paper discusses the importance of animal source foods (ASFs) in global nutrition security and the roles that Veterinary Services play in enhancing availability of and equitable access to ASFs. The first section of this paper reviews the nutritional value of ASFs and disparities in global consumption patterns. It also presents the biological basis for ASF-derived nutrition, its importance throughout the human lifecycle and the negative effects of both under- and overnutrition. The second section discusses the various roles of Veterinary Services along the pathway from terrestrial livestock production to positive outcomes in nutrition security. It addresses the importance of Veterinary Services in improving production efficiencies in extensive livestock systems as well as the contributions of Veterinary Services to integrated approaches for improved human and livestock health and security. Gaps between ASF availability and nutrition security are then discussed along with the importance of closing these gaps by targeting smallholders and women. The paper concludes with recommendations for incorporating targeted, nutrition-sensitive approaches in Veterinary Services to help populations vulnerable to nutrition insecurity gain more equitable access to ASFs as part of sustainable healthy diets.