The campaign, supported by key stakeholders—patients, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and organizations—aims to elevate the issue of malnutrition within public and political dialogues, emphasizing equal access to optimal nutritional care.
A persistent challenge
Despite growing awareness, malnutrition continues to impact millions across Europe. The European Nutrition for Health Alliance (ENHA) notes that 20 million EU citizens remain at risk, with 40% of hospital patients affected by malnutrition. This preventable condition results in significant personal and healthcare system burdens, contributing to annual costs of approximately €120 billion.
Call for comprehensive nutritional strategies
ENHA’s manifesto calls for coordinated EU-wide efforts to integrate nutritional care within healthcare strategies and policies. The manifesto emphasizes:
- The importance of integrating nutritional care in treatment plans to improve patient outcomes.
- Mandatory nutrition screening and treatment protocols across healthcare settings.
- Continuous education for healthcare professionals, as supported by ESPEN and EFAD.
- Development of policies ensuring reimbursement for nutritional support to ensure equitable access.
- A patient-centered approach that empowers individuals with the tools and knowledge for active health management.
Prof. Olle Ljungqvist, ENHA Chair, remarks: "Malnutrition is a crisis affecting millions across Europe. The Malnutrition Awareness Weeks aim not just to raise awareness, but to drive real action. Every citizen deserves access to the nutritional care they need to lead a healthy life, and it’s time we make that a reality."
A path forward for the EU
As Europe looks to its next mandate (2024-2029), the ENHA urges the EU to prioritize a comprehensive nutritional care strategy, aligning with the principles of the Vienna Declaration and Budapest Resolution, which recognize nutritional care as a human right. This strategy should be embedded within upcoming policies addressing cardiovascular, non-communicable, and mental health issues. By prioritizing these measures, Europe can advance health equity, reduce healthcare costs, and foster resilience among its citizens.
Malnutrition Awareness Weeks 2024 is part of ENHA’s pan-European Optimal Nutritional Care for All (ONCA) Campaign. The event is gaining widespread support from professional societies such as ESPEN (European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism) and EFAD (European Federation of the Associations of Dietitians).
More information
Visit Malnutrition Awareness Weeks 2024 and join the conversation with #MAW24 @ONCACampaign.
Contact: European Nutrition for Health Alliance (ENHA) by email: secretariat@european-nutrition.org, or by visiting their website here.
