Abbott and Real Madrid Team Up to Support the Health and Nutrition of Children Globally

Spain—Abbott announced it has entered into a three-year agreement to be the Health Sciences and Nutrition Partner of the Real Madrid Football Club and Global Partner of the Real Madrid Foundation—an organization founded by the club to promote the values inherent in sport to children globally. The partnership will encompass education, sports and social welfare activities in support of at-risk children in 80 countries, as well as nutritional support for the first men’s and women’s and Academy teams and new product innovation and development.

“Malnutrition remains a concern amongst Indian children, more so since its consequent health effects often plague them lifelong,” said Swati Dalal, general manager, Abbott’s nutrition business, India. “Abbott and The Real Madrid Foundation share the same goal which is to nourish children around the world as we move towards a better, healthier future. “

Working with local partners, the Real Madrid Foundation identifies and brings together local children in key at-risk areas—usually in remote, rural communities. The schools cover many different activities, ranging from healthy snacks and dental hygiene, to after school programs that involve health education and sports training. Each program includes a local social or environmental activity, such as healthcare facility visits. The children are screened for key health indicators at the beginning of each program and supported nutritionally throughout. The Real Madrid Foundation also runs week-long clinics for children who wish to improve their game with the Real Madrid methodology.

“Through the work of the Real Madrid Foundation, we’re not looking to develop the next footballer, we’re looking to grow the next engineer, scientist or lawyer,” said Emilio Butragueño, director of institutional relations for Real Madrid

Malnutrition affects 1 in 3 people of all ages, all geographies and all socioeconomic classes. More than half of all children affected by wasting globally, live in Southern Asia, and stunting or chronic malnutrition (low height with respect to age) has increased in 11 of 17 states in India. The proportion of severely wasted children has increased in 13 of 17 states while proportion of children who are underweight (low weight with respect to age) has increased in 11 of 17 states.