This study provides a comprehensive update of interventions to address undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies in women and children using standard methods to assess emerging new evidence for delivery platforms. This analysis suggests that the current total of deaths in children younger than 5 years can be reduced by 15% if populations can access ten evidence-based nutrition interventions at 90% coverage. Additionally, access to and uptake of iodized salt can alleviate iodine deficiency and improve health outcomes. The estimated total additional annual cost involved in scaling up access to these ten direct nutrition interventions in the 34 countries that have 90% of the world’s children with stunted growth is Int$9·6 billion per year. If this improved access is linked to nutrition-sensitive approaches—ie, women’s empowerment, agriculture, food systems, education, employment, social protection, and safety nets—they can greatly accelerate progress in countries with the highest burden of maternal and child undernutrition and mortality.
