Donors and humanitarian organizations announced a $500 million commitment to fight child malnutrition in some of the world's most vulnerable communities. The One Childhood, One Chance Alliance includes Save the Children, UNICEF, the Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, and other partners.

This initiative is designed to provide life-saving nutrition treatment and services for 5 million children in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Funding will be given for both the prevention of and treatment for malnutrition, as well as providing these children with health care, vaccinations, clean water and sanitation support.

Right now there are over 42 million children around the world suffering from acute malnutrition, many of whom are in conflict-affected areas or areas experiencing displacement or economic hardship. The Alliance's members have indicated that due to growing humanitarian needs and the resulting challenges to funding, there is an urgent need for coordinated action moving forward.

Speaking on this, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said, “No child should die from malnutrition.” Save the Children UK Chief Executive Moazzam Malik added that the alliance will help “millions of children” access life-saving treatment and support their recovery in some of the world's most difficult environments.

While the new funding will provide immediate assistance, alliance members said much more support is needed and called on additional donors to join efforts to tackle child hunger worldwide.