Bahir Dar. 25 November 2014. A high-level Nutrition Advocacy Mission urged for sustained efforts to accelerate nutrition interventions and multi-sectoral linkages in Ethiopia. The round table was convened by WHO on this occasion to sensitize government delegates and partners on the Accelerating Nutrition Improvements project and other UN Renewed Efforts Against Child Hunger and undernutrition (REACH) activities supporting the implementation of Ethiopia's National Nutrition Programme.

The high-level advocacy mission was led by Her Excellency Roman Tesfaye, the First Lady of Ethiopia and Ambassador for Nutrition. The delegation consisted of Dr Kebede Worku, State Minister of Health, Dr Bogal Felk, State Minister in charge of Social Affairs in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mr Gedu Andaregachew, President of the Amhara Regional State, Mr Ayeligne Mulualem, Head of Amhara Regional Health Bureau, Dr Pierre M'Pele-Kilebou, WHO Representative, Dr Arnold Timmer, UNICEF Chief of Nutrition and Food Security, and representatives from Federal Ministry of Health, Amhara Regional Health Bureau, Amhara Regional Bureau of Agriculture, UN agencies (UNICEF, WFP, FAO, WHO), and non-governmental partners including John Snow Inc, Action Contre la Faim, Alive & Thrive, Concern Worldwide, Goal, Micronutrient Initiative, Plan International, Food for the Hungry and Save the Children.

The delegation visited Wonchit kebele health post and centre in Dera woreda, Amhara region, to hear how Amhara region has been successful in promoting multi-sectoral linkages in nutrition. Health Extension Workers explained to the delegation how they are teaching mothers about the nutritious foods they should be feeding their children during the first 1000 critical days in a child's life.

"For sustained social and economic growth, special attention must be given to the early stages of life as the foundation for securing human capital," said Mrs Roman Tesfaye, the First Lady of Ethiopia and Ambassador for Nutrition at the meeting. She emphasised that improving the nutrition of children starts from the household level by making use of nutritious foods that are easily available.

Dr Kebede Worku, State Minister of Health, highlighted that the National Nutrition Programme focuses on a life-course approach with emphasis on linkages between nutrition-sensitive sectors. Community involvement through the Health Extension Workers and the Health Development Army are at the core of this strategy to improve nutrition in the country.

Although there have been significant reductions in the prevalence of chronic malnutrition (stunting) at the national level (from 58% in 2000 to 40% in 2014), additional vigorous efforts are required to achieve the objectives of the National Nutrition Programme and the 2025 WHO Global Nutrition Targets.

"Good nutrition is the cornerstone of good health. Let us join our forces and work together for better nutrition and health for every woman and child in Ethiopia," urged Dr Pierre M'Pele-Kilebou, WHO Representative to Ethiopia. With support from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development of Canada, and in close collaboration with central and local governments and the non-governmental implementing partner, John Snow Inc., the WHO Accelerating Nutrition Improvements project is working to reduce stunting among children under five years of age.

The Renewed Efforts Against Child Hunger and undernutrition (REACH) is a mechanism of four UN agencies (UNICEF, WFP, FAO, WHO) to provide coordinated assistance for strengthening the nation’s capacity to scale-up nutrition actions and improving multi-sectoral nutrition management and governance.

For more information please contact

Viivi Erkkilä
Communications, Partnership and Resource Mobilization
WHO Ethiopia
Email:  erkkilav [at] who.int
Tel: (+251) 11 553 4777 

Photos: WHO Ethiopia/ V. Erkkila