PAHO’s technical cooperation in nutrition is outlined in its Regional Strategy and Plan of Action on Nutrition and Health Development, 2006-2015.  It comprises three overarching areas: maternal and child nutrition, micronutrient nutrition, and nutrition and prevention of non communicable diseases. Within these areas, technical staff addresses topics related to updating and developing policies, norms and guidelines, assessment and surveillance, operational research, and advocacy and communication.  A more recent initiative is the Pan American Alliance on Nutrition and Development for the Achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

Nutrition is both an indicator and outcome of national development. Seven of the Millennium Development Goals--to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, achieve universal primary education, promote gender equality and empower women, reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, ensure environmental sustainability, and combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases-- are directly related to nutrition.

PAHO Strategy and Plan of Action for the Reduction of Chronic Malnutrition