Novo Nordisk and UNICEF have announced a four-year expansion of their global partnership, committing USD 18 million from 2026 to 2030 to prevent childhood overweight and obesity and support a healthier start in life for over 80 million children worldwide.
The expanded effort comes at a critical moment: for the first time on record, childhood obesity has now surpassed underweight globally, according to UNICEF’s 2025 Child Nutrition Report. Today, around 35 million children under 5 and more than 391 million children and adolescents aged 5 to 19 live with overweight or obesity — 81% of them in low- and middle-income countries. The condition raises lifelong risks of type 2 diabetes and other diseases, while also exposing children to stigma and discrimination.
“This is a turning point,” said Kitty van der Heijden, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director for Partnerships. “It is concerning that childhood obesity now affects 1 in 10 school-aged children and adolescents globally. The moment to act is now. Through our partnership with Novo Nordisk, we will help governments turn evidence into real change — so every child can eat well, move freely, and grow up healthy.”
Building on cooperation that began in 2019 — which helped elevate childhood obesity from a little-discussed issue to a global public health priority — the new phase will focus on seven priority countries: Mexico, Colombia, Indonesia, the Philippines, India, Egypt, and Kenya. Country-led delivery will be anchored in UNICEF’s Centres of Excellence, based in Nairobi with satellite support in Bangkok and Panama.
Interventions will include regular growth monitoring, nutrition and physical activity guidance, family and peer support, community-based programmes, youth advocacy, basic mental health screening, and stronger laws to promote healthier diets and food environments.
“Preventing childhood obesity needs long-term, collective action,” said Elin Jäger, Chief of Staff and Head of the CEO Office at Novo Nordisk. “Together with UNICEF, we are scaling proven solutions that become part of daily life — in schools, homes, health centres, and communities — helping more than 80 million children grow up in healthier environments.”
Success will be measured by the number of children reached by evidence-based policies and services, with regular, transparent reporting on progress and challenges.
