The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. These 17 goals are built on the successes of the Millennium Development Goals, while including new areas such as climate change, economic inequality, innovation, sustainable consumption, peace and justice, among other priorities. The goals are interconnected as often the key to success on one will involve tackling issues more commonly associated with another. The targets and indicators linked to the goals indicate the requirement of high-level sustained commitment, policy reform and timely action for achieving them (UNDP 2016).

WHA targets

• 40% reduction in child stunting
• 50% reduction in Anaemia in women
• 30% reduction in low birth weight
• No increase in child overweight
• Increase rate of exclusive breastfeeding to at least 50%
• Reduce and maintain childhood stunting to less than 5%

In addition, as a WHO Member State, India has also endorsed global targets for improving maternal, infant and young child nutrition and is committed to monitoring progress. These World Health Assembly (WHA) targets are to be achieved by 2025. However, there are plans to possibly extend the deadline to 2030, with targets set at more ambitious levels to harmonise them with the SDG goals.

The Coalition will seek accountability from the State regarding the progress on the SDG and WHA targets through government partners and locating hurdles and bottlenecks in the process. The Coalition will set state-level targets based on SDGs and WHA targets, and to develop a strong participatory monitoring framework and management information system to measure outcomes of targets under SDGs and WHA. The Coalition will provide technical support in selected high vulnerable districts on developing MULTI-SECTORAL RESULT based Food and Nutrition Plan to ensure accountability and programme delivery effectiveness.