Food prices in Iran have increased by over 50% compared to last year, making quality nutrition increasingly inaccessible for vulnerable groups. Over 12% of children under five are underweight (based on height), while 18% of school-aged children are overweight or obese. The worsening economic conditions are putting pressure on Iran’s infrastructure and increasing the number of nutritionally at-risk children.
There is a lack of effective data sharing, identification of food-insecure regions, and targeted policymaking. A 2021 survey across eight food-insecure provinces revealed widespread deficiencies in zinc and vitamins A and D among children under five.
In response, UNICEF is supporting the Iranian government to meet global nutrition standards through:
- Data collection and analysis on maternal and child nutrition (ages 0–18)
- Integrating child nutrition care into primary healthcare
- Investing in maternal and child nutrition programs via multisectoral approaches
- Assisting in social protection program development and food policy advocacy
- Supporting strategic distribution of nutritional supplements and food fortification
- Developing national dietary guidelines for school-aged children
- Identifying barriers to healthy feeding for children under two and promoting behavioral change strategies
- Addressing micronutrient deficiencies through targeted supplementation for high-risk groups
