Worldwide progress in reducing rates of childhood undernutrition has been relatively slow over the past fifteen years. In too many countries, rates remain unacceptably high. Nevertheless, behind the global statistics lie some success stories.

This briefing is based on the outcome of secondary research which examines five such stories - Brazil, Peru, Mozambique, Malawi and Bangladesh - which have had relative success in bringing down their rates of undernutrition, in the quest to find out why and how these countries in particular have been successful. The report identifies policies and practises implemented to facilitate the success and analyses the extent to which a reduction in undernutrition has been achieved due to a responsive policy environment and or social/civil initiatives.