Leaders across Latin America met in March 2007 and renewed their commitment to fighting malnutrition in the region.The Andean Ministers of Health met in Bolivia in March 2007 and resolved that national programmes to eradicate malnutrition be established and given highest priority for policy, and that nutrition focal points of each country should meet to prepare a regional plan.
This regional planning meeting took place in July 2007. Intersectoral links (including health, education, water, sanitation, agriculture and finance) and managerial capacity of nutrition-related staff are to be strengthened. A permanent forum has been set up and development of a strategic plan is in progress. This will include development of human resources, advocacy, social participation, key messages, strengthening of associations and networks, exchange of experiences, and information, monitoring and evaluation systems.
International agencies will be asked to participate in programme implementation within the framework of national development plans. The strategic plan will be presented to Ministers at their next meeting in Ecuador.