- The main source of poverty reduction in the region has been pro-poor economic growth. Redistribution policies have played little role in poverty reduction in the Europe and Central Asia region.
- The experience of the past 23 years suggests that sustained economic growth is key to further poverty reduction and ensuring food security in the region.
- For the population of most countries in the region, the burden of overweight and obesity in terms of disability-adjusted labour years now far exceeds that from undernutrition.
- Beyond economic growth, policies aimed specifically at malnutrition that have worked in this region include:
- Food fortification for iron, vitamin A, zinc, iodine and other deficiencies
- Food reformulation to reduce salt, saturated fats and sugar
- Fiscal measures, such as taxes on soft drinks, sugary foods or food items containing saturated fats
- Public health and nutrition information campaigns to increase public awareness
- Nutrition labelling to increase consumer awareness
- Means tested food assistance policies for women with young children.