Abbott is investing $45 million annually to help identify, treat and prevent malnutrition
Published 09-30-21
Submitted by Abbott
Innovation hub will focus on reducing malnutrition for the most vulnerable populations in the world
ABBOTT PARK, Ill., Sept. 30, 2021 /CSRwire/ - Abbott (NYSE: ABT) announced today the creation of the Abbott Center for Malnutrition Solutions, an innovation hub focused on reducing malnutrition around the world. The center, a collaboration between Abbott and external nutrition experts and partners, will focus on the identification, treatment and prevention of malnutrition for the most vulnerable populations in the world, including mothers, infants and young children; aging adults; and people without access to good nutrition.
The work of the center will contribute to Abbott's 2030 Sustainability Plan ambition to transform care for malnutrition, chronic disease and infectious diseases, with a goal to improve the lives of more than 3 billion people by decade's end.
''Malnutrition affects 1 in 3 people around the world, and it's not only a result of extreme poverty," said Daniel Salvadori, executive vice president of Abbott's nutrition business. "It affects people of all ages, all geographies and all socioeconomic classes. Progress to address malnutrition is slow and has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Abbott has long been focused on improving nutrition through our innovations. The creation of the Abbott Center for Malnutrition Solutions will enable us to apply our science and expertise in collaboration with others to improve systems and ensure good nutrition is accessible to more people around the world."
A worldwide problem
Malnutrition affects people in all communities around the world and takes many forms.
The problem is extremely complex. Countries are simultaneously fighting the burdens of hunger, stunting, wasting and obesity. Conflict, environmental crises and economic instability play a role. Vulnerable groups continue to be disproportionately affected by these disruptions and lack of resources, impacting access to good nutrition and ultimately, improved outcomes.
"Reducing malnutrition around the world will require genuine partnerships with grassroots organizations and local leaders to gain a true understanding of what's needed on the ground, innovation to bring forward new ideas, and multi-sectoral partners working together to deliver collective impact and sustainable solutions," said Mary Pittman, DrPH, president and CEO, Public Health Institute.
Taking a different approach
The Abbott Center for Malnutrition Solutions will follow four key principles in its efforts to reduce malnutrition:
For more information about the Abbott Center for Malnutrition Solutions please see https://www.abbott.com/malnutrition.html.
About Abbott:
Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 109,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.
Connect with us at www.abbott.com, on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/abbott-/, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews.
i UNICEF; Child malnutrition. https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-report-2021/
ii WHO; Malnutrition. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malnutrition
iii UNICEF; Child malnutrition. https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-report-2021/
iv WHO; Malnutrition. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/malnutrition
v UNICEF; Child malnutrition. https://data.unicef.org/resources/jme-report-2021/
For further information: Abbott Media: Ann Smith, 224-667-6123, Vicky Assardo, 224-668-1505, Financial: Laura Dauer, 224-667-2299
About Abbott and the Abbott Fund
The Abbott Fund is a philanthropic foundation established by Abbott in 1951. The Abbott Fund's mission is to create healthier global communities by investing in creative ideas that promote science, expand access to health care and strengthen communities worldwide. For more information, visit www.abbottfund.org.
Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs nearly 90,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries. Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's website at www.abbott.com.
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