Zero Hidden Hunger EU Policy Lab to engage European policy makers in combatting micronutrient deficiencies in at-risk populations in Europe

Brussels, 15th October 2024 - The Zero Hidden Hunger EU project marks World Food Day (16th October) with the launch of a new Policy Lab, led by the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA). This initiative will bring together European policy makers to co-create policy solutions aimed at addressing the pressing issue of micronutrient deficiencies across Europe.

Micronutrient deficiency is a form of malnutrition that occurs due to low intake and/or poor absorption of minerals and vitamins and can negatively affect human health and development. Segments of the European population at risk of micronutrient deficiency, include children, adolescents, women of reproductive age, pregnant women, older adults, and immigrant/ethnic minority groups as well as other marginalised groups. Collectively, these segments represent around 70% of the total population.

This issue represents a significant but often overlooked public health challenge. Despite the scale of the problem, many European countries lack accurate data on the prevalence and causes of micronutrient deficiencies across different regions and population sub-groups in the EU, a vital input needed for to develop comprehensive strategies to tackle the problem.

In response to this pressing issue, the Zero Hidden Hunger EU project aims to generate comprehensive data on the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies across the EU population and identify root causes.

The Zero Hidden Hunger EU Policy Lab will be a central component of the project’s efforts to ensure that research outcomes are fit-for-purpose and capable of delivering the desired impact. The lab will engage policymakers, experts, and stakeholders across Europe to map the current policy landscape, identify barriers to reducing micronutrient deficiencies, and co-create innovative food-focused solutions.

The Zero Hidden Hunger EU Policy Lab is dedicated to a comprehensive, co-creation approach that bridges gaps between communities, research, and policy,” said Dr. Alessandro Gallina, Senior Policy Manager at the European Public Health Alliance. “By actively engaging policymakers, experts, and vulnerable groups throughout the project, we aim to ensure that our findings translate into impactful, sustainable strategies to reduce micronutrient deficiencies and enhance health equity across Europe.

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About Zero Hidden Hunger EU

Zero Hidden Hunger EU is a Horizon Europe-funded research project that is working to quantify the true prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in Europe. By focusing on high-risk groups, such as marginalized communities and vulnerable populations, the project aims to uncover the true extent of the issue and its associated health costs. The ultimate goal of the project is to deliver credible evidence that will empower policymakers and food system actors to devise effective food-focused strategies, eradicating micronutrient deficiencies from Europe.

The Zero Hidden Hunger EU consortium brings together expertise from 19 organisations, including public and private sector healthcare professionals, top-tier universities and research institutes, as well as social entities such as NGOs and regional governments. The project, which will run for four years (2024-2028), is being coordinated by University College Cork, Ireland.

Contacts

For media and further information, please contact

• Project communication contact: Debora Serra (EUFIC) – Debora.serra@eufic.org
• Zero Hidden Hunger Policy Lab coordinator: Alessandro Gallina (EPHA)– Alessandro.gallina@epha.org
• Joint project coordinators:
  Mairead Kiely (UCC) - (m.kiely@ucc.ie)
  Kevin Cashman (UCC) - (K.cashman@ucc.ie)

This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101060218