Public health stands at the forefront of challenges that drive the overall development of any nation. When citizens maintain good health and enjoy improved living standards, they can contribute meaningfully to the economy, fostering growth and development.
Conversely, the prevalence of infectious and non-communicable diseases can precipitate a national disaster, impacting entire populations and undermining national progress. A stark illustration of this phenomenon is the COVID-19 pandemic, which has claimed millions of lives and infected billions globally. Beyond the immediate human toll, the pandemic has crippled economies and set countries back by years in development, and Ethiopia has not been spared its adverse effects.
To combat these public health challenges effectively, experts emphasize that improving the nutritional status of citizens is crucial. A well-balanced and vitamin-rich diet significantly boosts society’s resilience against disease and enhances overall health outcomes. Likewise, research underscores the vital role of nutrition in preventing childhood stunting and underweight occurrences—conditions that jeopardize future generations and hinder national prosperity.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the causes of stunting and malnutrition are multifactorial, prominently driven by socioeconomic factors such as poverty, drought, conflict, and displacement. These elements contribute to millions of children being born underweight and stunted. To address these challenges and lessen the burden through targeted short and long-term strategies, the WHO has undertaken global initiatives. Among these are efforts to reduce stunting rates globally, alleviate maternal vitamin and folic acid deficiencies during pregnancy, and enhance breastfeeding practices via the expansion of hospitals and health centers.
Ethiopia recognizing this pressing issue, launched the ‘Seqota Declaration’ in 2015, a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving nutrition and minimizing rates of stunting, low birth weight, and malnutrition across the country, particularly in rural and underprivileged districts.
Under this framework, the Ethiopian Public Health Institute has been actively engaging in data-driven policy measures and scientific research to pinpoint areas most affected by malnutrition. “Our Food Security Pledge Program has proven effective in rapidly addressing these issues,” the Ministry of Health reported, which also highlights ongoing programs focused on coordinating food systems and nutrition activities at a national level.
Food Science and Nutrition Research Division Head at the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Endale Amare (PhD), recently shared insightful perspectives on the Institute’s efforts to combat malnutrition during a nutrition training session. Amare emphasized the multifaceted strategies Ethiopia is employing to address hunger associated nutritional deficiencies. He noted that the nation is committed to ensuring that nutritious foods are accessible, safe and sustainable, thereby securing food security from “farm to fork.”
“No one should be left hungry or malnourished; our job is to save lives, especially those of children and mothers,” remarked Amare elaborating on the significance of the scientific research being conducted within his division.
The gravity of malnutrition is underscored by projections from a United Nations’ study, which suggests that nearly 500 million people worldwide could face chronic hunger by 2030.
Ethiopia is actively working to combat this looming threat, particularly for children under five who are at heightened risk of stunting, malnutrition, and low birth weight. Data from the Ethiopian Public Health Institute indicates concerning trends: the prevalence of stunting among children under five rose from 37 percent in 2019 to 39 percent in 2022, while the rate of underweight babies increased from 7 percent to 11 percent during the same period.
In a brief presentation tailored for journalists, Amare highlighted that one in four children under five in Ethiopia suffers from malnutrition, which negatively influences their health, future prospects, and educational opportunities. In response, the Institute is dedicated to disseminating information and scientific solutions aimed at confronting this issue.
Among the actionable recommendations outlined by the Institute is the promotion of iodized salt and the fortification of food staples with essential vitamins and minerals. Research suggests that the widespread use of iodized salt could dramatically enhance community health, particularly in pregnant women who prepare meals with iodine and folic acid-rich ingredients—thus ensuring healthy developmental outcomes for their children.
Additionally, the Institute has been exploring innovative treatments for malnourished children. Early studies indicate that providing packaged, nutritious foods on a daily basis yields more effective results compared to conventional complex treatment regimens.
Ethiopia is endowed with diverse traditional foods and crops that can be harnessed to improve nutrition. Amare said citing examples like peas and beans, which are not only rich in vitamins but also resilient to climate change. The Institute is actively promoting these crops to encourage community consumption while verifying their benefits through rigorous scientific research.
Moreover, the Institute is working diligently to create awareness around food safety, sensitizing community members against the danger of consuming products contaminated with harmful substances. This aspect, according to Amare, is critical as such contamination distorts local food systems and hinders the consumption of balanced diets. The Institute is offering training to traders about food safety practices to mitigate the risks.
In a focused effort to improve students’ nutrition, the Institute collaborates with educational institutions to ensure that meals provided meet nutritional standards. Research demonstrates that adding one egg to students’ meals significantly enhances their active participation and overall academic performance.
Amare articulated that poor nutrition doesn’t merely cause hunger; it also stunts the body’s ability to combat illness, impedes brain development in children, and diminishes adult productivity in the workforce. Healthy nutrition underpins a robust society; hence it is essential to implement proactive measures that ensure every citizen has access to safe, diverse and balanced food.
This aligns seamlessly with the Ethiopian National Food and Nutrition Strategy (2020-30), which emphasizes educating the populace about healthy eating while preventing food contamination and shortages.
Achieving these ambitious goals requires cooperation from various sectors, including the media, to disseminate accurate information about preventing malnutrition-related child deaths, stunting, and low birth weight. Amare called for the implementation of Ethiopian dietary guidelines, alongside initiatives to cultivate climate-resilient crops. He urges schools, clinics, and national and international organizations to collaborate in spreading ethical nutritional advice to the public.
Ultimately, the collective efforts in promoting nutritional awareness, improving food systems, and ensuring public health are critical not only for individual well-being but also for the sustained development of Ethiopia as a whole. By integrating scientific research into actionable policies and community practices, we can lay the foundations toward a healthier future for all Ethiopians.
BY LEULSEGED WORKU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 5 APRIL 2025
