Research conducted by UNHCR indicates that Millions of children in Ethiopia suffering malnutrition. Particularly a large number of children displaced due to conflicts are in dire need of nutrition and food. The Ethiopian government annually spends some 5.5 billion Birr per year to tackle problems related with malnutrition. The expenditure is about 16 percent of the total annual national budget as some information indicate.
On the other hand, organizations working in the area of nutrition suggest the use other cheap and simple but highly nutritious plants as a solution to address the problem. One of their suggestions is adopting the use of blue-green algae known as Spirulina, (also referred as super food). According to them, Spirulina takes the first rank in recovering malnourished peoples within the shortest possible time.
Tiruzer Ethiopia for Africa (TEA), a charitable organization based in Ethiopia announced on April 4 the commencement of procedures for mass production of spirulina.
Founder and Executive Director of TEA, Yonas Mamo says that the first necessary step to make use of Spirulina is legalizing its production in the country.
World Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) report 2017 reveals that 23.2 percent of sub Saharan population suffers from chronic food deprivation.
Yonas also stressed that more than half of adult population in Ethiopia suffer stunning problem during their childhood. As to him, 44 percent of Ethiopia’s health cost is associated with under nutrition of especially children under aged one.
The government also strived to lessen food deprivation by developing the National Nutrition Program starting from June 2008. The program gives priority to the rural people those most malnourished children lives.
The National Nutrition Program (NNP) also developed starting from 2008 to reduce the magnitude of malnutrition through community based interventions. But high cost of spirulina challenges the nation to supply the required amount thus millions of children faced food deprivation.
It is also obvious to exhibit Malnourished people I refugee camps. Describing this, today, 2 children out of 5 suffers stunning he said.
“I hope the distribution of spirulina will begin soon and our vision is to see health community in Africa as well in Ethiopia.” he remarked.
Even Spirulina declared by UN world Food Conference since 1974 as “best food for the future”, Ethiopia has delayed to sign free agreement of the Intergovernmental Institution for the Use of Micro Algea Spirulina against Malnutrition IIUMASM convention still now.
Spirulina/Super Food Cultivation, Research Training and Humanitarian Feeding Center in Addis Ababa which lead by TEA also verified the possibility of blue-green algae harvesting within household.
As to Yonas, researches have been conducted with coordination Addis Ababa University food Science experts and Environment, Forest and Climate Change Commission. Adding “it is confirmed that the harvesting of blue-green algae couldn’t result negative impact on health and environment,” he stressed.
Senior Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Expert at Mulugeta Alemu Forest and Climate Change Commission also told The Ethiopian Herald that the blue green algae may not harm environment.
“Frankly, I didn’t see the findings of the research since the research conducted recently, but I don’t expect blue-green algae as a cause of environmental pollution”, he said.
To him, harvesting of blue green algae is run without chemical contact. But it may harm the center workers as well the environment if not well managed on the green house, he added.
Regarding on nutritional value, spirulina confirmed most valuable nutritional food to increase CD4 count, RNA which produces more energy to brain, beta carotene (ten times more than carrots), vegetable protein and amino acid, high concentration of vitamin B, high content of anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties, and other health beneficial properties.
Briefing this, “one gram of Spirulina has a power of supersede nutrition which child losses within a weak. Adding the blue-green algae consumes high amount of Co2 which makes it preferable to environmental protection”. Yonas said.
Senior researcher and Supporter of the Center, Kalid Jemal also explained the center also humanitarian project to distribute spirulina.
TEA intended to lend a hand to people who live under poverty for the aim of innovation, and new way of thinking.
Presently, TEA operates its test in three regions and a total population of half million residing 17 rural and 5 towns as information indicates from the center.
Ethe Ethiopian Herald April 14/2019
BY YESUF ENDRIS
