Novo Nordisk and UNICEF are expanding their collaboration to support efforts aimed at preventing overweight and obesity among children, as rising childhood obesity rates become an increasing global health concern.
The Danish pharmaceutical company said on Tuesday that it will provide an additional $18 million between 2026 and 2030 to fund prevention programs across Mexico, Colombia, Indonesia, the Philippines, India, Egypt, and Kenya. The initiative will focus on measures intended to help children develop healthier habits and improve access to early support.
According to Novo Nordisk Senior Vice President Elin Jäger, the expanded funding will support interventions including nutrition guidance, physical activity counselling and basic mental health screening and assistance. The programs are designed to address several factors that can influence children’s health and wellbeing rather than focusing solely on weight.
The partnership expansion follows findings highlighted in UNICEF’s 2025 Child Nutrition Report. The report found that, for the first time on record, the number of children affected by obesity had surpassed those who were underweight, highlighting a major shift in the global childhood nutrition landscape.
The expanded program will operate from 2027 through 2030, while funding will begin in 2026. Novo Nordisk and UNICEF aim to reach more than 80 million children through the initiative.
The companies’ renewed focus comes as governments, health organizations and other institutions face the challenge of addressing changing patterns of childhood malnutrition. While undernutrition remains a serious concern in many parts of the world, increasing rates of overweight and obesity are creating another layer of pressure on healthcare systems.
Novo Nordisk said the initiative forms part of its broader sustainability strategy, which is scheduled to be launched next week. The company and UNICEF’s expanded partnership is expected to place greater emphasis on prevention and early intervention across the seven participating countries.
