According to UNICEF every year, stunting causes the death of one million children around the world. The report also confirms that stunting leads to long-term effects even on those children who may survive, including poor cognition and educational performance, physical development, poor health, lost productivity and low adult wages, an increased risk of nutrition-related chronic diseases in adult life.
In Africa, approximately 39 percent of children under the age of five are stunted, with the highest rates found in sub-Saharan Africa.
Children are defined as stunted if their height-for-age is more than two standard deviations below the WHO Child Growth Standards median.
The report launched by UNICEF/ WHO/ World Bank stated that 151 million (22 percent) under five children were stunted globally. Low-income and lower-middle-income countries account for almost all (91 percent) stunted children worldwide whereas more than one in three exists in Sub Saharan Africa including Ethiopia.
Although the prevalence of stunting is decreasing in all regions of the world, Africa is still facing challenges with a rising number of stunted children. In view of this, the number of stunted children in Africa is expected to increase by the year 2025.
Ethiopia, targeting to address the challenge and end child stunting among children under two years of age by 2030, is undertaking various activities. As part of this, the Seqota Declaration (SD) is being implemented with the higher commitment to eradicating the underlying causes of chronic undernutrition.
This Declaration, SD, is operationalized through a multi-sectoral program involving nine different sector ministries such as Health; Agriculture; Education; Water, Irrigation and Energy; Women, Children and Youth, Transport and Finance, Labor and Social Affairs and Culture and Tourism ministries. The declaration is a roadmap divided into three phases: Innovation, Expansion and Scale-up stages.
According reports, the impressive results achieved so far vividly demonstrated government’s decisions and conducive policies designed to addressing nutrition challenges and improving the health of its people. The programs that are being carried out under this initiative have remarkable contributions to various aspects, including ensuring food security at the household level, promoting local development, creating job opportunities for the youth, and enhancing the participation and benefits of female.
Recently, as part of this effort and address the challenges of child stunting across Africa, Former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen launched a new initiative, YADAM Foundation.
As it was stated, the foundation aspires to address malnutrition through innovative, sustainable, and community-driven solutions, marking a critical step in tackling one of the continent’s most pressing challenges.
Launching the initiative, Demeke highlighted the transformative vision behind YADAM Foundation. He said: “YADAM Foundation, an initiative driven by a vision to contribute towards ending stunting in Africa by harnessing the best experiences.”
He emphasized the integral role of nutrition in human development. “Nutrition is an essential component of human development. It is widely acknowledged that individuals with adequate nutrition tend to be healthier and more productive, enabling them to create opportunities that unfold gradually.”
The YADAM Foundation’s mission is rooted in addressing the critical first 1,000 days of life, a period crucial for cognitive and physical development. Demeke stressed the foundation’s commitment to combating undernutrition.
“Child nutrition is a fundamental aspect of our development agenda. It is vital for fostering human cognitive and intellectual capacity.”
Demeke pledged to advocate for enhanced leadership and governance around nutrition on the continent, emphasizing the need to cultivate a healthier and more innovative society.
He expressed his commitment to utilizing Ethiopia’s successful strategies in implementing the Sekota Declaration and other national initiatives aimed at combating malnutrition, aiming to create a lasting impact for future generations.
Demeke pointed out that the foundation will bolster national efforts by supporting various initiatives, including the food and nutrition strategy, the food system transformation program, the Bounty of Basket, and urban agriculture projects, all aimed at enhancing the nutrition landscape and fostering a healthier, more capable generation.
He also outlined the foundation’s objectives to increase access to and consumption of nutritious foods, implement programs focused on nutrition, and improve water, sanitation, hygiene, and nutrition environments in schools.
In stressing the foundation’s role in advancing Africa’s Agenda 2063, Demeke pledged to advocate for enhanced leadership and governance around nutrition on the continent to cultivate a healthier and more innovative society.
Minister of Health Mekdes Daba (MD) expressed optimism about the Foundation’s potential to strengthen Ethiopia’s nutrition agenda. She highlighted the importance of the YADAM Foundation in supporting national initiatives introduced by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, such as the Bounty of Basket and urban agriculture programs. These initiatives reflect Ethiopia’s commitment to improving nutrition and addressing stunting effectively.
Dr. Mekdes reaffirmed that the Ministry of Health’s support for the Foundation’s initiatives, aligning them with ongoing national efforts to combat malnutrition and stunting. Her vision is to foster a healthier and more competitive future for both Ethiopia and the continent as a whole.
She further noted that, the launch of the YADAM Foundation marks a significant step in the fight against child stunting and malnutrition in Africa. With a focus on innovative solutions, community empowerment, and strategic partnerships, the Foundation aims to create sustainable change in nutrition and health. By leveraging Ethiopia’s success and collaborating with various stakeholders, YADAM is poised to inspire action and lead efforts toward a healthier future for generations to come.
The initiative combines evidence-based advocacy with actionable programs to strengthen food systems, enhance water, sanitation, and hygiene, and improve school nutrition. YADAM also focuses on empowering local communities by leveraging agricultural systems and establishing sustainable food production facilities to ensure lasting impact.
A core element of the foundation’s strategy is forging partnerships with governments, NGOs, academia, and international organizations to maximize its reach and effectiveness.
This foundation is a testament to our belief that the fight against malnutrition is a shared responsibility. Together, we can empower our children, strengthen our communities, and create a future where Africa thrives, free from the chains of malnutrition, he said.
It was leant that the newly established foundation signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) enabling the two parties work together to fight against stunting.
The YADAM Foundation aspires to rank among Africa’s top five initiatives by 2035, contributing to the continent’s prosperity through comprehensive, holistic strategies that combat malnutrition and foster societal progress.
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
The Ethiopian Herald December 22/2024
