London, June 2026 – A coalition of leading donors and aid organizations has announced a $500 million commitment to combat child malnutrition in the world’s most fragile humanitarian contexts. The initiative, known as the One Childhood, One Chance Alliance, brings together Save the Children, UNICEF, Action Against Hunger, ALIMA, CIFF, MBRGI, ELMA Relief Foundation, and others, with the goal of reaching at least five million children with life-saving nutrition treatment and services.
Globally, more than 42 million children suffer from acute malnutrition, with the majority living in conflict-affected or crisis-hit regions where instability, food insecurity, and economic shocks exacerbate risks. The Alliance’s formation comes at a critical moment, as rising fuel prices, fertilizer shortages, and the prospect of a severe El Niño threaten to deepen the global food crisis.
The coalition builds on decades of experience in tackling malnutrition. CIFF, for example, invested over $40 million in 2025 to strengthen nutrition delivery in crisis settings. This expertise, combined with new commitments from partners, underpins a coordinated push to expand both prevention and treatment of malnutrition. The Alliance will integrate nutrition with essential health services such as malaria treatment, immunizations, and WASH programs, ensuring a comprehensive package for children across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
While the $500 million surge commitment provides immediate relief, the scale of need is far greater. Estimates suggest at least $1 billion annually is required to treat malnutrition in the 15 most affected humanitarian countries, with an additional $1 billion needed to prevent malnutrition and secure food systems. The Alliance is actively welcoming new funding and implementing partners to mobilize resources at this scale.
Leaders from across the coalition emphasized the urgency of action. Anna Hakobyan of CIFF highlighted the impact of global economic and climate pressures on children, while Moazzam Malik of Save the Children UK stressed that millions of children will now gain access to lifesaving treatment. Catherine Russell of UNICEF reinforced that “no child should die from malnutrition,” and Jean-Michel Grand of Action Against Hunger called the Alliance a decisive step toward ensuring children receive care regardless of where they are born.
This collective effort represents one of the strongest responses to child malnutrition at a time of historic cuts to humanitarian funding. By uniting public, private, and philanthropic partners, the Alliance aims to accelerate action, protect children’s futures, and build resilience in communities most affected by crisis.
