Global SUN movement pays tribute to Bangladeshi nutritionist Dr Nasreen Khan

The global Scaling Up Nutrition or SUN movement has paid tribute to Dr Nasreen Khan and said she was a “true champion” for improving nutrition not only in Bangladesh, but all over the world.

The nutritionist died of a cardiac attack at a Dhaka hospital in the early morning of Sunday.

The SUN movement, which is a platform of all governments, civil society, UN, donors, businesses and researchers to improve nutrition, shared the news with a “heavy heart”.

It also extended its deepest sympathies to Dr Nasreen’s family, friends and all the people she “inspired so much”.

“Her personal drive, commitment and belief that a multi-stakeholder and multi-sector approach – is the only approach to ending malnutrition, was infectious and she made everyone feel it was possible. She inspired all around her,” the network wrote on its website.

Dr Nasreen Khan was a long-time deputy programme manager of the National Nutrition Services and SUN Technical Advisor in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

“When we talk about nutrition champions – she embodied everything that a champion should,” SUN said.

“She helped convene sectors, when few saw the value in it – and was a formidable advocate for ensuring Bangladesh’s response to the issue of malnutrition was holistic, involving the action of many. Nasreen consulted, widely with passion and energy.

“Facilitating advocacy workshops, leading Behaviour Change Communication Working Group discussions, leading the charge on the National Nutrition Policy, convening journalist workshops to monitor the BMS code, collaborating on the National Plan of Action for Nutrition – was all in a day’s work for Nasreen.

The network continued its tribute by saying: “She truly believed that every stakeholder-be it government, civil society, business, parliament, United Nations agencies, donors – all have a significant contribution to make. Therefore, she gave her time generously.

“She listened, challenged and debated vigorously with everyone who knocked on her door. When there weren’t enough office hours in the day, she’d continue the discussions late into the night over a cup of tea,” the network said remembering her works.

“Nasreen was a powerful voice for nutrition globally and her words and enduring commitment will guide others for many years to come.

“Her passion was infectious and you could always count on her to rally a room full of people with some colourful words: ‘We have to put lipstick on nutrition. Make it sexy.’ ‘We need more trust, more commitment and more champions. Nutrition is not about investment, it is about political will.’”

The Global Sun movement ended the homage by saying: “Nasreen – you are an inspiration and your work and flair for life will long be remembered.”