By Hailegebriel Endeshaw
(Communications Officer, NIPN-Ethiopia)
The Global National Information Platforms for Nutrition (NIPN) held its sixth gathering in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 22 – 24, October 2024. The big event was officially opened by the Ethiopian Minister of Health, H.E. Dr. Mekdes Daba. The minister underscored on the occasion that NIPN has made significant contributions to improving nutrition information in Ethiopia.
The 6th NIPN Global Gathering, themed “NIPN for the Future: Sustainability in an Evolving Policy Environment,” has brought together over 90 attendees from nine member countries, the global coordination team, along with donors, supporting partners, and stakeholders from around the world. The Global Gathering served as a platform for representatives from member countries - Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guatemala, Kenya, Laos, Niger, Uganda, Zambia, and Ethiopia - to share achievements and draw lessons from one another’s successes and challenges.
The Communications Officer from NIPN-Ethiopia had the opportunity to speak with several event guests about the 6th Global Gathering. They all agreed that the Gathering serves as a valuable platform for exchanging experiences. Here are the main points gathered from Lao PDR, Zambian, and Kenyan colleagues.
Laos is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia with a population of 7.8 million. It is bordered by Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia. NIPN-Laos was established in late 2018 and became functional in 2019. Dr. Sitthiroth Rasphome is coordinating the Lao-NIPN and head of the Data Analyzing Unit. He said that the Global Gathering event is very useful for the Lao team to draw lessons from colleagues of other NIPN member countries. He said that the team had the opportunity to discuss issues related to financial and institutional sustainability.
“We have seen some countries have already come up with good roadmap for sustainability that we can take away. We have also had the chance to learn how to convince the policy makers to support NIPN in our country. We have used the Global Gathering platform to learn from the C4N team that provided us with ample information,” Rasphome said.
Speaking of performance, he stated that NIPN-Lao has accomplished three major activities. One accomplishment is the establishment of a data repository on nutrition, along with the development of a dashboard to provide public access for policy analysis and tracking the nutrition indicators. So far, over 16,000 people have accessed the newly established dashboard and data repository. The second achievement focuses on capacity building. NIPN-Lao has implemented initiatives at both the central and sub-national levels to strengthen data analysis capacity for the future, according to Rasphome.
“Advocacy for new evidence to policymakers is the third achievement of NIPN-Lao. This helps facilitate data processing and analysis, leading to valuable policy development in the future,” the Coordinator said.
NIPN-Lao, hosted by the Ministry of Planning, has a strong connection with the Lao National Nutrition Committee, led by the Ministry of Health. With 12 permanent employees, NIPN-Lao is advancing its activities in collaboration with these government sectors and other relevant stakeholders.
The South African Nation, Zambia, is among the participants of the 6th Global Gathering. Mr. Mike Mwanza led the NIPN-team from Zambia. He coordinates all activities with NIPN-Zambia, which was established this year. Mwanza works for the National Food and Nutrition Commission in Zambia and was assigned from this commission to coordinate NIPN-Zambia.
“We have the National Food and Nutrition Commission, which coordinates all nutrition programs in Zambia. We handle the policy component under NIPN, while our colleagues from the Zambian Statistics Agency focus on data analysis. We coordinate closely with the Zambian Statistics Agency,” Mwanza stated.
The Coordinator stated that NIPN-Zambia has accomplished three key achievements. “Although we are new, we successfully launched the NIPN project in Zambia. The second is that we have developed our policy questions. So far, we gathered about seven policy questions, which we still need to evaluate,” Mwanza said.
The third achievement, according to him, is the preparation of the implementation plan for the NIPN-Zambia. “We have a number of issues we are dealing with. We had some challenges in operationalizing the implementation plan. We had to review the entire process to determine how best we can fast track the implementation with support from GIZ,” Mwanza said.
Regarding the 6th Global Gathering, Mwanza said that as a newcomer to the initiative, it is a valuable opportunity for NIPN-Zambia to draw lessons from other member countries. “Zambia has been given the chance to learn how others are making progress. This is a great opportunity for Zambia to interact with other countries. We have been granted two extra days to engage with colleagues from the NIPN-Ethiopia team. We have learned more about how we can fast-track our implementation with NIPN,” he said.
Mwanza stated that one of the discussion points at the gathering was sustainability. His team is focusing on how NIPN-Zambia can sustain the project from the outset. He further emphasized the need for advocacy to encourage the government to increase fund allocations for the NIPN project.
Mr. James Gatungu serves at the Kenyan National Bureau of Statistics. He also took responsibility to lead NIPN-Kenya as a coordinator. He is responsible for the day-to-day activities of the NIPN-Kenya. He is in charge of planning and implementation of the project related activities, ensuring coordination of meetings between multi-stakeholders, and monitoring implementation of planned activities.
Gatungu led the Kenyan NIPN team, which was composed of six members. Speaking of the 6th Global Gathering, he said that it is a forum organized every year where implementing countries come together to share experiences and learn from each other.
“This year’s event, with the theme “NIPN for the future: Sustainability in an evolving policy environment,” aims to support the further development and implementation of sustainability plans, promote NIPN’s role among national decision-makers at global and national levels, as well as review the progress of platforms’ rollout to the sub-national level,” Gatungu stated.
Mr. James Gatungu said that he learned many things from this year’s gathering and emphasized his excitement on the use of artificial intelligence in enhancing nutrition information systems and generating Business Case for NIPN sustainability.
Gatungu expressed appreciation that the Gathering was well organized, and he personally extended special thanks to the Ethiopian team for a very successful conference. “The hospitality of our Ethiopian community cannot go unmentioned”.
The Kenyan NIPN coordinator said that the sustainability of NIPN was one of the objectives of the gathering. “During the meeting we had an opportunity to discuss with other countries on what they are doing, but my main take home is to develop a business case for our country and finalize our sustainability plan.”
Mr. Gatungu also said that NIPN-Kenya has accomplished many achievements. Setting up and operationalizing of the platform structure, developing a multi-sectoral food security and nutrition repository, developing a multi-sectoral food security and nutrition web-based portal (https://nipfn.knbs.or.ke/) that serves as a One-Stop-Shop to track globally and nationally agreed indicators as defined in the 5-year Kenya Nutrition Action Plan (KNAP), generating 12 policy papers, and accompanying policy briefs by working together with relevant stakeholders were among the major activities of NIPN-Kenya, according to Gatungu.
“We have also produced 47 County Nutrition Briefs and developed an online food security and nutrition journals’ portal. We are also proud of our achievements on capacity building to enhance skills of stakeholders to ensure sustainability of the project activities, including the continuous dissemination of food security and nutrition data and information through various media,” he said.
The Coordinator also said that NIPN-Kenya has generated a harmonized food security and nutrition indicators template for implementation by the sectors and developed a Podcast in collaboration with the Nutrition for Development (N4D) team, which has been shared on social media platforms.
“We have developed our sustainability plan; and we produce the quarterly E-Newsletter, which we share with our stakeholders. NIPN-Kenya has also developed QR codes for NIPFN publications and shared through various forums, and social media platforms, including the development and publication of a media article on nutrition,” Gatungu stated.
Kenyan NIPN jointly undertakes project activities through various committees, including the Project Advisory Committee and Project Management Committee. It developed 12 policy papers in collaboration with the sectors, according to the coordinator. (NIPN-Ethiopia)
By Tekle Tesfalidet
On September 9, 2024, a significant webinar was held focusing on “The Micronutrient Intervention Modeling Tool (MINIMOD) and its Concrete Applications to Nutrition Policy Discussions. This event took place at 5:00 PM Addis Ababa Time, gathering public health professionals and researchers to discuss the critical issue of micronutrient deficiencies. Participants explored how MINIMOD can address specific nutrition challenges and inform policy discussions, ensuring that interventions are both targeted and sustainable. The webinar provided an overview of MINIMOD's key features, emphasizing its ability to model different intervention strategies, assess potential outcomes, and deliver actionable insights.
The event was moderated by Dr. Endale Amare, a Senior Researcher at the Nutrition, Environmental Health, and Non-communicable Disease Research Directorate at EPHI. Dr. Aregash Samuel, the NIPN Ethiopia National Coordinator, introduced the session. The keynote speaker, Dr. Stephen A. Vosti, Adjunct Professor Emeritus at UC Davis, provided a detailed presentation on MINIMOD. Additionally, panelists Dr. Dawd Gashu, Associate Professor at Addis Ababa University, and Dr. Demewoz Woldegebreal from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), Seattle, USA, shared their valuable experiences as panelists.
At the beginning, Dr. Aregash Samuel, Senior Researcher at EPHI and NIPN Coordinator, welcomed the speakers and participants and briefly introduced NIPN by saying that in 2018, NIPN was launched in Ethiopia to support evidence-based decision-making within the framework of the National Nutrition Program (NNP) and the National Food and Nutrition Policy (NFNP). The project is based at the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI). As of June 2022, NIPN receives programmatic and financial support from Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), along with technical assistance from the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). It regularly organizes seminars, webinars, and other discussion forums, disseminating its outputs through various channels, including the NIPN website, social media, newsletters, and the national English newspaper, the Ethiopian Herald.
Following this, she invited Dr. Endale to moderate the event. He delivered detailed introductions for the speaker, Dr. Stephen A. Vosti, a renowned expert in public health and nutrition with extensive experience in addressing micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries. Dr. Endale also introduced the panelists: Dr. Dawd Gashu, a leading researcher in agricultural interventions and their impact on food security, and Dr. Demewoz Weldegebreal , a specialist in nutrition policy and implementation. After the introductions, Dr. Endale invited Dr. Vosti to begin his presentation.
Dr. Stephen A. Vosti’s presentation highlighted that the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies remains a significant public health challenge in developing countries. He discussed key strategies to address these deficiencies, including micronutrient supplementation, large-scale fortification, and agricultural interventions like bio-fortification. However, despite these approaches, there is a notable lack of guidance for decision-makers on how to select the most effective, cost-efficient, and sustainable interventions to maximize their impact within existing budget and resource constraints.
According to Dr. Vosti, the MINIMOD tool framework encompasses two key components: the Nutritional Needs and Intervention Program Benefits Model and the Intervention Program Cost Model.
The first model estimates dietary intakes and identifies individuals with low micronutrient intake, using the Lives Saved Tool (LiST) to predict outcomes such as lives saved and anemia averted. The second model assesses the costs associated with implementing various interventions, including planning and operational expenses. Together, these models identify the most cost-effective intervention programs by analyzing their benefits and costs, providing summary measures of nutritional benefits, costs, and cost-effectiveness. Overall, as discussed by Dr. Vosti, MINIMOD facilitates evidence-based decision-making by offering data-driven insights, optimizing resource allocation, enhancing program effectiveness, and supporting policy decisions aimed at combating micronutrient deficiencies.
In his detailed presentation, the speaker pointed out that the MINIMOD tool is an essential resource for stakeholders in micronutrient interventions, enabling researchers and advocacy groups to estimate the impact of new initiatives and enhance health outcomes. Funders benefit by prioritizing interventions for research and funding, ensuring effective resource allocation. For policymakers, MINIMOD provides critical evidence on the impact and cost-effectiveness of various strategies, facilitating comparisons of approaches like fortification versus supplementation. Program implementers, including NGOs, utilize its insights to understand potential impacts and costs, leading to more effective interventions. Ultimately, MINIMOD guides research, funding, policy, and program implementation, significantly contributing to improved public health outcomes.
Dr. Vosti also pointed out the promise of multi-fortified bouillon in West Africa, particularly in Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Senegal, and other countries, which offer equitable reach and the potential to reduce dietary inadequacies, although evidence from randomized control trials (RCTs) is still pending. He acknowledged the technical and commercial challenges that lie ahead, stating that while multi-fortified bouillon is not a comprehensive solution, it can complement existing initiatives. Finally, he mentioned that there is valuable data and analytical capacity available to address critical policy questions, but tackling these issues will require both time and investment.
At the end of the presentation, the moderator, Dr. Endale, expressed his appreciation for Dr. Vosti's detailed and informative talk. He then invited Dr. Dawd Gashu to take the floor to address the following question: Dr. Dawd, as a technical team member of the recently launched National Food Fortification program, what insights have you gained regarding the importance of such models for the program?
Dr. Dawd began his speech by stating, before answering your question, let me define a nutrition model. It can be a computer-assisted optimization tool, such as mapping software, or an Excel-based mathematical model like MINIMOD. These tools help select the most effective interventions for addressing nutrition problems among a range of program options.
In response to the question forwarded by Dr. Endale, Dr. Dawd explained that nutrition models are essential for assessing various deficiencies and excesses within a population. They also help predict the impact of nutrition programs, allowing us to evaluate the financial benefits—such as what percentage of children can be uplifted due to our interventions. Given that we operate in a resource-constrained environment, these models are crucial for prioritizing interventions.
Dr. Dawd emphasized the importance of identifying which groups will benefit from specific interventions, noting that costs can be shared among government, development partners, and consumers. He outlined two types of cost estimation: startup costs and recurring costs. He encouraged anyone interested to utilize his impact and cost-effectiveness model, which has been formalized for end users. This model can be applied for both research purposes and policy-making.
Additionally, Dr. Dawd highlighted that one must be cautious about the type of data used in nutrition modeling. This data could include biomarker data or dietary data, both of which are critical for accurate assessments.
The third speaker, Dr. Demewoz Woldegebreal, discussed the MINIMOD tool, highlighting its significance in estimating the impact of micronutrient interventions on mortality and the reduction of anemia and neural tube defects (NTDs). He noted that the tool has been effectively used to model the impact of such interventions in several African countries, including Cameroon, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Senegal, and Burkina Faso.
Dr. Demewoz emphasized that the outputs generated by the MINIMOD tool have been instrumental in facilitating policy discussions surrounding micronutrient interventions. However, he cautioned that the tool has a steep learning curve and requires expert input at each stage of the modeling process. He outlined key components of the process, including usual intake estimation, effect size estimation, and the simulation of interventions, such as various levels of food fortification.
In his presentation, Dr. Demewoz expressed his vision for the future of the MINIMOD tool. He noted that the tool tends to underestimate the total benefits of interventions, as it primarily focuses on specific functional outcomes such as mortality. Dr. Haile suggested that incorporating Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), which measure both years of life lost due to premature death and years lived with disability, could serve as a more comprehensive metric for assessing the impact of micronutrient interventions.
Furthermore, he advocated for the development of interactive visualization maps that would illustrate the need, impact, and cost-effectiveness of micronutrient intervention programs based on MINIMOD. These enhancements, he argued, could significantly improve the tool's utility and effectiveness in guiding public health decisions.
After thanking and acknowledging the contributions of the three speakers, Dr. Endale invited the audience to participate in a question-and-answer session, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and insights. Accordingly, two questions were asked:
1. Dr. Meron Girma from EPHI/NIPN, who asked: Dr. Vosti, thank you for an interesting presentation. Drawing from your experience working on fortification, in countries where a single vehicle is not widely used, Ethiopia is an example, what alternative modalities can be used to reduce micronutrient deficiencies.
2. Esayas from EIAR and GFFP who asked: Enhancing intake of micronutrients is primarily by fortification. 1. How can we select the best vehicle to carry the targeted nutrient? 2. In which case is fortification more effective, in nutrient rich food products or the nutrient poor one? 3. How can we be sure the metabolism of the product is effective?
The following responses were given by Dr. Vosti and Dr. Dawd:
Dr. Stephen began by discussing the concept of dual fortification of salt, noting that India is currently experimenting with this approach to address micronutrient deficiencies. While technically challenging due to the need for careful blending, it is a feasible solution.
He also mentioned the potential for fortifying water, although this method poses challenges, particularly because water is not commercially packaged in many regions. Additionally, he touched on bio-fortification, acknowledging its’ potential but highlighting that it often takes a long time to implement effectively.
Dr. Stephen pointed out that while supplementation programs can be beneficial, they are often expensive and not foolproof. He suggested that a multifaceted approach could be effective, including multiple forms of supplementation alongside salt fortification to enhance overall micronutrient intake.
Dr. Dawd, reflecting on the challenges of large-scale fortification, emphasized key issues such as the lack of coordination among stakeholders, which hinders effective implementation. He noted that funding is often inadequate, primarily relying on development partners rather than government support. The high cost of interventions, especially supplementation programs, limits accessibility, and many initiatives only reach urban areas, restricting their overall impact. In contrast, he highlighted agronomic bio-fortification as a promising alternative that can effectively serve rural populations. In discussing alternative modalities for reducing micronutrient deficiencies, Dr. Dawd stressed the importance of addressing these challenges to create more inclusive and sustainable solutions.
Furthermore, Dr. Dawd addressed the challenges of large-scale fortification, highlighting several key issues. First, he pointed out the lack of coordination among stakeholders, which is crucial for effective collaboration. He noted that funding primarily comes from development partners rather than government sources, limiting resources. Additionally, the high cost of interventions, such as supplementation programs, poses a significant barrier. Many initiatives also tend to favor urban areas, making strategies like agronomic bio-fortification more advantageous for broader coverage.
Talking about selecting the best vehicle for micronutrient fortification, Dr. Dawd emphasized that the choice should depend on its accessibility and acceptance by the target population. He also mentioned that fortification is most effective in nutrient-poor food products, as these can greatly enhance nutritional status. Lastly, he highlighted the importance of understanding how the body metabolizes fortified nutrients to ensure effectiveness.
Finally, the webinar concluded with remarks from Dr. Endale, who expressed gratitude to the speaker, the panelists, and the participants for their valuable insights and engagement with the Micronutrient Intervention Modeling Tool (MINIMOD).
The NIPN webinar on the Micronutrient Intervention Modeling Tool (MINIMOD) featured insightful presentations and discussions led by expert panelists, who emphasized the tool's critical role in developing evidence-based nutrition policies. The panelists shared practical applications of MINIMOD, illustrating its effectiveness in addressing micronutrient deficiencies and improving public health outcomes. They highlighted real-world case studies and engaged participants in discussions that showcased the importance of integrating data-driven approaches into policy-making. Overall, the session reinforced the value of MINIMOD as a vital resource for shaping robust nutrition strategies globally.
END
By Tekle Tesfalidet
…The research, conducted by a team of senior researchers and supported by the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) and the National Information Platform for Nutrition (NIPN), reveals a substantial increase in the prevalence of obesity over the past five decades. Specifically, the study indicates that the rate of obesity has nearly tripled during this time period…
Today, more than ever before, the silent epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) looms over the globe, casting its shadow upon Ethiopia. With staggering implications for the health and well-being of its people, NCDs demand immediate attention. Ethiopia, a nation with a soaring population and a rapidly growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), is facing a pressing public health challenge. A recent study conducted by Meron Girma et al. titled "Trends and Factors Associated with Overweight/Obesity, Diabetes, and Hypertension in Ethiopia" illuminates the gravity of NCDs, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Ethiopia.
The research, conducted by a team of senior researchers and supported by the Ethiopian Public Health Institute and the National Information Platform for Nutrition (NIPN), reveals a substantial increase in the prevalence of obesity over the past five decades. Specifically, the study indicates that the rate of obesity has nearly tripled during this time period. Similarly, Horizon Health's report (2023), titled "Enabling Environments for NCD Risk Reduction in Ethiopia by 2040," highlights that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are projected to contribute to an alarming 65% of disabilities in the country.
The Global Burden of Disease report of 2019 highlights a concerning trend: non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have emerged as the primary causes of mortality worldwide, including in Ethiopia.
The study conducted by the well-experienced researchers further provides insights into the factors underlying the growth of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Ethiopia. A key discovery is the upward trend in overweight/obesity among women in the country from 2000 to 2016, primarily influenced by increasing wealth. Furthermore, sedentary jobs and increased screen time contribute to physical inactivity, which is identified as a risk factor for prediabetes/diabetes among women.
According to Horizon Health's report (2023), the adoption of Western dietary patterns, along with reduced levels of physical activity, further compounds the prevalence of NCDs in Ethiopia. Additionally, air pollution, particularly in urban areas, poses a significant threat to maternal and child health.
All the findings discussed above underscore the heightened risk of premature deaths caused by NCDs, emphasizing the pressing need for effective interventions and preventive measures.
Addressing these risk factors and creating a conducive environment that promotes healthy behaviors, particularly within vulnerable populations, pose significant challenges.
It is evident that the gravity of the situation calls for immediate action to prevent premature mortality and mitigate the detrimental impact of these diseases on individuals, families, and communities. Recognizing the critical importance of early intervention, it becomes imperative to prioritize healthy lifestyles and preventive measures during pregnancy. This is particularly crucial, as non-communicable disease risk factors frequently have their origins in fetal life. By addressing these factors proactively, we can pave the way for a healthier future and avert the potential consequences of these alarming statistics on society as a whole.
In addition to assessing the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and associated risk factors within the country, Dr. Meron and her Team’s study provides invaluable recommendations and solutions to effectively tackle the escalating challenge of combating overweight/obesity, and other NCDs in Ethiopia. It emphasizes the importance of promoting healthy eating habits, encouraging physical activity, and reducing sedentary lifestyles. The implementation of policies supporting healthy diets, improving food environments, and raising awareness about the benefits of physical activity is strongly advised by the senior researchers. Additionally, the study underscores the need for strengthening NCD surveillance and integrating NCD services into the primary healthcare system, highlighting the importance of interventions to address these issues effectively.
Amidst the shadows of concern, a glimmer of hope emerges, signifying that the collective efforts underway have not been in vain. The Ethiopian Government, fully aware of the urgency of addressing the rising threat of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), has taken decisive action. In response to the impassioned plea of the World Health Organization (WHO) for member states to accelerate progress towards global NCD targets outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals, Ethiopia has developed a comprehensive National Strategic Action Plan (NSAP). This groundbreaking initiative serves as a blueprint for tackling NCDs head-on and effectively managing the intricate challenges associated with overweight and obesity.
In line with these efforts, the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) and the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) have joined forces and launched a pioneering project titled "Enabling Environments for Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Risk Reduction in Ethiopia. Recently unveiled at the premises of EPHI, the launch of this groundbreaking ENABLE project marks a significant stride forward in addressing the triple burden of undernutrition, micronutrient deficiency, and the elevated risk of NCDs, particularly among the urban population. During the kick-off ceremony, Dr. Getachew Tollera, Deputy Director General of EPHI, emphasized that this concerted endeavor signifies a resolute commitment to combating NCDs and safeguarding the well-being of Ethiopian communities.
Unquestionably, the launch of the ENABLE Project in Ethiopia marks a significant milestone in addressing the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country. Attended by a diverse group of over 80 individuals, including consortium members, stakeholders, and governmental and non-governmental organizations, the event showcased the project's commitment to reducing the lifelong prevalence of major NCD risk factors among pregnant women. Led by joint principal investigators, Dr. Masresha Tessema from EPHI and Dr. Eleni Papadopoulou from NIPH, the ENABLE consortium consists of 11 partners from Europe and Africa. Supported by a grant from the European Union (EU) Horizon Europe Framework Program, the project aims to promote healthy diets, physical activity, and reduced air pollution in urban environments. By implementing evidence-based interventions in four Ethiopian cities, namely Addis Ababa, Adama, Harar, and Jimma, the consortium members will work towards increasing knowledge, developing capacity and skills, and fostering positive behavioral change among pregnant women, community groups, and healthcare providers. Ultimately, ENABLE seeks to enhance the overall healthcare system and improve public health outcomes, thereby reducing the burden of NCDs in Ethiopia.
In conclusion, the combination of the NIPN-supported research findings from Meron Girma et al. and the ENABLE project offers a compelling perspective on the magnitude of the NCD crisis in Ethiopia. The heightened risk of premature deaths and the increasing burden of NCDs demand immediate action. By prioritizing preventive measures, promoting healthy lifestyles, and implementing effective policies, Ethiopia has the potential to combat NCDs and improve the health and well-being of its population. The ENABLE project, supported by a consortium of international partners, serves as a beacon of hope, offering evidence-based solutions to empower individuals, strengthen healthcare systems, and create a healthier future for all Ethiopians.
By Tekle Tesfalidet
… the unwavering dedication and passion demonstrated by the scholarship recipients in serving their country exemplify their personal integrity and the objective of EPHI/NIPN Ethiopia to nurture well-trained, skilled, and capable professionals through the PhD scholarship program…
In our previous quarterly newsletters, we featured inspiring stories of four exceptional EPHI/NIPN scholarship recipients who are pursuing their education at prestigious universities worldwide. This time, we turn our attention to Andinet Abera, a scholarship recipient currently pursuing his doctoral studies at the esteemed University College Cork in the Republic of Ireland. This article explores Andinet's academic journey, highlighting his experiences, challenges, and aspirations, and sheds light on the profound impact of this scholarship on his personal growth and potential contributions to public health and nutrition in Ethiopia.
As a student at University College Cork, Andinet finds himself in an environment that fosters advanced research and academic growth. The university's reputation as a center of excellence and its commitment to innovative research provide him with a supportive and intellectually stimulating atmosphere for his PhD studies.
When asked about his studies at the university, Andinet Abera expressed his gratitude for the scholarship, which has provided invaluable financial assistance covering his university fees and accommodation expenses during his stay in Ireland. This support has been crucial for his participation in courses and other important on-campus activities.
When asked about the potential impact of the scholarship program on the development of Ethiopia's healthcare system, Dr. Aregash Samuel, Senior Researcher at EPHI and Coordinator of the NIPN project within EPHI, expressed her hopes and expectations, stating that providing such opportunities through scholarships would help strengthen the capacity of researchers in generating and synthesizing evidence. As PhD students, they would generate data-based evidence, focusing on nutrition-related issues. Dr. Aregash emphasized the significant contribution their research findings would make towards filling the existing evidence gap in nutrition and advancing scientific knowledge.
Regarding his specific research topic for his PhD and its potential impact on public health and nutrition in Ethiopia, Andinet Abera noted that his research focuses on the subject of "Local Food System's Performance and Its Influence on Availability, Access, and Consumption of Nutrient Adequate Diet: A Panel Study on Ethiopian Households." He anticipates that this study will meticulously investigate the intricate relationship between various components of the local food systems in Ethiopia and their effects on the food acquisition and consumption patterns of households and individuals. Furthermore, he aims to identify key areas that offer opportunities for enhancements and advancements in this domain.
By providing scholarships to dedicated individuals like Andinet, it goes without saying that NIPN Ethiopia is not only strengthening the capacity of researchers but also supporting research efforts that address crucial issues in public health and nutrition. Andinet's research aligns perfectly with the goals of the scholarship program, as it aims to generate data-based evidence and contribute to filling the existing evidence gap in nutrition.
When discussing the challenges he encountered during his doctoral studies and how he overcame them, Andinet Abera candidly shared his experiences. He mentioned that obtaining research funds was a notable challenge, as the scholarship did not cover the expenses for his research project. However, he was able to leverage data from related projects conducted by the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) to overcome this hurdle.
Andinet emphasized the potential impact of the PhD program on his career goals and the development of the healthcare sector in Ethiopia, particularly in the field of nutrition. He aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of food systems within the Ethiopian context. With Ethiopia adopting a food systems approach to address nutrition challenges, Andinet aspires to contribute to the collective efforts aimed at achieving the nutrition goals of his country.
When asked about advice for students interested in pursuing a PhD program in public health or nutrition in Ethiopia, Andinet emphasized the significance of developing clear research ideas and employing a sound and rigorous methodology. He also recommended aspiring students prioritize seeking fully funded PhD scholarships, as they would be more beneficial compared to partial funding.
Andinet also provided suggestions on how the scholarship program could be enhanced to better support PhD students in their studies and research. He recommended striving to secure full funding for students at EPHI in future opportunities, considering the challenges he faced as a partially funded student.
Regarding networking and collaboration with other researchers and professionals in his field through the scholarship, Andinet confirmed that he has had the opportunity to connect and collaborate with fellow researchers and professionals within and beyond the PhD program. He also engaged in various professional and skill development opportunities in Ireland, all made possible by the scholarship. He expressed his gratitude for the significant benefits he gained from these experiences.
Finally, when asked about his commitment to the organization that awarded him the PhD scholarship, Andinet, like all the other EPHI/NIPN PhD scholarship recipients, affirmed his unwavering commitment to serving his country.
In conclusion, the unwavering dedication and passion demonstrated by the scholarship recipients in serving their country exemplify their personal integrity and the objective of EPHI/NIPN Ethiopia to nurture well-trained, skilled, and capable professionals through the PhD scholarship program. As they embark on their journey to contribute to society, their resolute commitment will undoubtedly, drive them towards excellence and empower them to effect positive change, both within their country and on a broader scale.
By Hailegebriel Endeshaw
(Communications Officer – NIPN/EPHI)
…A Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research Steering Committee (MER SC) meeting, sponsored by the National Information Platform for Nutrition (NIPN-Ethiopia) held in Dire-Dawa City, was a favorable platform for Dr. Haji to express his concern over the prevalence of EC in the country. Dr. Haji, with long years’ experience in nutrition and esophageal cancer, has stressed that although the government is doing its level best to prevent the non-communicable diseases including cancer, “esophageal [has been] left in the dark”…
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become the leading cause of mortality in developing countries. Sources indicate that in recent years, NCDs, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and cancer, have become “an emerging pandemic globally with disproportionately higher rates in developing countries”. The World Health Organization estimated that the global burden of NCDs would increase by 17% in the next ten years and in the African Region by 27%.
Like any other developing nations, NCDs have also been a health threat to Ethiopia. Esophageal cancer (EC) is among these NCDs that have gone rampant in the country. Researchers have made official the remarkable increase in the incidence of esophageal cancer in many parts of Ethiopia. Dr. Haji Aman, an assistant professor of Human Nutrition, is working as an instructor and researcher on nutritional problems, metabolic syndromes, and cancer at Adama Hospital Medical College. He has conducted research on EC.
A Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research Steering Committee (MER SC) meeting, sponsored by the National Information Platform for Nutrition (NIPN-Ethiopia) held in Dire-Dawa City, was a favorable platform for Dr. Haji to express his concern over the prevalence of EC in the country. Dr. Haji, with long years’ experience in nutrition and esophageal cancer, has stressed that although the government is doing its level best to prevent the non-communicable diseases including cancer, “esophageal [has been] left in the dark”.
According to available sources, EC occurs in the esophagus, which is a long, hollow tube that runs from the throat to the stomach. A person with EC will have a swollen throat tube that clogs the food passage. “There are two major tissue types: Squamous cell carcinoma and Adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma develops in the esophageal epitheliumand is common in developing countries, while adenocarcinoma develops in the esophageal glands and is prevalent in developed countries”.
Dr. Haji Aman said in an exclusive interview he had with the NIPN communications officer in Dire-Dawa City that the Arsi and Bale Zones in Ethiopia were known as EC endemic areas along Africa’s EC belt. “The data taken from local areas such as Adama, Asella, and Goba Hospitals also indicated that it is the 2nd most prevalent cancer next to breast cancer, as opposed to the cancer distribution patterns in other regions of Ethiopia.”
Dr. Haji said, mentioning a study carried out in ten rural hospitals in Ethiopia, that esophageal cancer is the third most prevalent cancer of all forms of cancer. It is the second most common cancer in males, next to prostate cancer, and the third most common cancer among females, next to breast and cervical cancer. “In that study, the largest proportion of patients were from Aira Hospital in West Oromia Region. Other studies show that esophageal cancer accounts for 15% of all cancers in Addis Ababa and the southern part of the country, 7.4%, and 4.9% in Amhara and other regional states, respectively”.
Studies indicate that 92.3% of the affected compatriots are farmers in rural areas. What is alarming is that researchers are observing EC among the younger population below 19 years of age. “In my study, 7.1% of patients were ≤ 39 years of age; the youngest male and female patients were 19 and 25 years old, respectively. Only 9.6% reported a family history of cancer. The median survival time after diagnosis is six months. The majority (about 80%) of EC patients presented at advanced stages (stages III and IV),” Dr. Haji said.
Expressing the seriousness of the disease, Dr. Haji recounted the story of a lady who lost 13 of her relatives due to esophageal cancer. “During my PhD research, I went to one of the districts in the Arsi Zone to gather local evidence related to the disease burden. A 52-year-old female participant involved in the focus group discussion told me that 13 of her relatives died of esophageal cancer, and another four of her neighbors were diagnosed with it during that time,” he said.
What the EC patients say while getting treatment can clearly show how grave the problem is. Dr. Haji said that patients who come to health facilities usually request their care providers to help them swallow their saliva at least once before they die. These patients don`t ask for remedies or medications that relieve their pain. They rather request the health professionals to enable them to swallow their saliva. One can see how tough it is for the patients to dine and swallow, Dr. Haji said.
Speaking of the causes of the disease, Dr. Haji noted that there is no conclusive evidence regarding the reasons for the clustering of cases in specific geographical areas. He, however, mentioned a few studies that testify about the cause of EC. Accordingly, the consumption of false bananas (Kocho), salty diets, inadequate vegetable intake, chewing khat, drinking very hot coffee, too much intake of coffee, very hot porridge, hasty consumption of hot food, alcohol drinking, and tobacco use are the most common factors associated with esophageal cancer in Ethiopia.
The researcher, Dr. Haji, said that the causes of esophageal cancer are multifactorial. The notable geographic dispersion of esophageal cancer in Ethiopia suggests a complex phenomenon that cannot be handled by a single institution or person. “The problem is massive, and we have to pull knowledge, skills, and resources together to prevent the disease, provide care, and support the affected communities,” he said.
Currently, there are efforts being made by scholars, universities, researchers, clinicians, and prominent individuals to find solutions for this deadly disease. Dr. Haji said that activities are underway to make the disease an agenda for policymakers and many stakeholders. The other major achievement is reportedly the establishment of a multi-sectoral and multidisciplinary task force that comprises the Ministry of Health (MoH), Oromia Health Bureau (OHB), Arsi University, Madda Walabu University, Adama Hospital Medical College, Negelle Arsi General Hospital Medical College, professional associations, and community leaders.
Dr. Haji said that two national conferences were organized in Asella and Addis Ababa, in which high- level officials, members of professional associations, research institutions, prominent public figures, and government officials from OHB and MoH participated. “We developed an endoscopy training curriculum for upper gastro-intestine (UGI) endoscopy and biopsy in Ethiopia in collaboration with MoH, OHB, and Saint Paul Millennium Medical College. We trained health professionals on UGI endoscopy for Asella and Goba teaching and referral hospitals that couldn't render endoscopy services, despite having the equipment (endoscopes). Now all facilities are rendering UGI endoscopy and biopsy services which fundamentally will improve access to diagnostic services and facilitate better detection and treatment of cases in the area,” Dr. Haji said.
Every stakeholder in the health sector is expected to play a role in preventing this fatal disease. The Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) has also been called upon to support the initiative. Dr. Haji said that technical support and collaboration are needed from national and international organizations. “Therefore, I would kindly ask EPHI and its partners to assist our efforts. We want to work on the magnitude of the disease and contributing factors and develop appropriate preventive measures. I hope the Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI), EPHI, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and other researchers will [positively] respond to our call,” Dr. Haji said.
(Findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed here above reflect only views of the researcher.)
By Tekle Tesfalidet
In a nation-wide effort to transform child health and nutrition, and combat the long-standing challenges of malnutrition, Ethiopia unveiled the groundbreaking Seqota Declaration in July 2015. With an unwavering determination to eliminate child malnutrition and achieve a zero-stunting rate by 2030, this ambitious program has emerged as a ray of hope for the country's youngest generation. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Health, the Seqota Declaration has made remarkable strides, largely thanks to the invaluable contributions of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI)/ the National Information Platform for Nutrition (NIPN), and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). These organizations have played a pivotal role by generating evidence to assess the program's implementation status, enabling informed decision-making at higher levels of government. Through their steadfast commitment to evidence-based research and active participation in decision-making processes, EPHI and NIPN have been instrumental in driving the Seqota Declaration towards unprecedented success.
The Seqota Declaration (SD) is an innovative commitment by the Government of Ethiopia (GoE) to end child stunting by 2030. It is implemented nationwide, targeting areas with the highest malnutrition rates in consultation with regional governments. The SD aims to eradicate child malnutrition in Ethiopia with a phased approach: innovation phase (2015-2020), expansion phase (2021-2025), and scale-up phase (2026-2030). The primary goal is to eliminate hunger, ensure food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture for overall development. For SD implementation, the government allocates the necessary budget from its treasury, supplemented by resources from nutrition partners. The Ministry of Health coordinates the Seqota Declaration with the support of a Federal Program Delivery Unit, which facilitates coordination and engagement among multiple sectors and stakeholders in nutrition.
According to the SD document, initially, the program focused on the Tekeze basin in Amhara and Tigray regional states, covering 40 Woredas. The declaration took its name from the town of Seqota, the capital of the Wag Hemra Zone in Amhara Regional State, which faced severe famine in the 1980s.
To assess the impact of the initial expansion phase of the Seqota Declaration (SD) and inform evidence-based decision-making, researchers from EPHI/NIPN, and IFPRI conducted an impact assessment. This rigorous assessment, utilizing the Lives Saved Tool (LiST) modeling, was carried out from May to October 2023. It provided invaluable insights into the progress achieved in reducing childhood stunting and mortality through the implementation of the SD.
The assessment revealed that within just one year after the initial expansion of the SD into 240 Woredas, the program successfully prevented a total of about 60,000 cases of stunting and 2,900 cases of mortality. Looking ahead, projections were made to estimate the potential impact of further expanding the SD program. Projection assessments showed that further expansion of the SD would significantly reduce the rate of stunting and mortality.
These remarkable findings received high praise and commendation during a collaborative high-level government meeting held sometime back. The gathering, which involved the former Deputy Prime-Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ministers of the multi-sectoral Ministries, regional presidents, and regional bureau heads, aimed to evaluate the performance of the 2022-2023(2015 E.C.), approve the budget for 2023-2024 (2016 E.C.), and introduce a transformation roadmap for nutrition. The attendance of key stakeholders, such as the Federal Ministry of Health Nutrition Coordination Office, regional administrators, urban city administrators, mayors, and sector heads, reflected the government's comprehensive approach to addressing nutrition challenges.
The chair of the meeting, the former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ato Demeke Mekonnen, expressed admiration for the results based on the conclusive findings of the impact assessment. Additionally, the former Deputy Prime Minister emphasized the need for sustained efforts to achieve the program's ultimate goal. The importance of community participation and leadership throughout the implementation process was also underscored.
On her part, the former Minister of Health, Dr. Liya Tadesse, lauded the achievements and emphasized the importance of expanding the Seqota Declaration from its current reach of 240 to 700 Woredas in the coming years. Dr. Liya further emphasized that expanding the Seqota Declaration's coverage to 10% of the country's total area, based on additional studies, could potentially save 80,340 stunted children within a year.
The results achieved so far have had a big impact on government decisions and policies. Ethiopia has shown its dedication to addressing nutrition challenges and improving the health of its people by allocating a 696 million Birr (ETB) budget for the expansion of the Seqota Declaration during 2023-2024 (2016 E.C.). Notably, several regional states have allocated funds to support the initiative, further emphasizing the widespread recognition of its importance. The expansion program of the projects is making a remarkable contribution to various aspects, including ensuring food security at the household level, promoting local development, creating job opportunities for the youth, and ensuring female participation and benefits.
Here, it is important to emphasize the significance of the study findings, as they have provided robust support for the decision to allocate significant funding towards expanding SD activities into additional Woredas. Moreover, these findings offer valuable insights to higher officials, enabling them to gain a better understanding of the status of SD implementation in relation to the planned activities.
To further strengthen evidence-based decision-making and prioritize health system and nutrition research, researchers at EPHI/NIPN Ethiopia are tirelessly dedicating their efforts to generating timely, relevant, and high-quality evidence. Ensuring the widespread adoption of evidence throughout the research process is crucial. This requires emphasizing the importance of timeliness, relevance, engagement with decision-makers, and maintaining high quality. Actively involving decision-makers in the research process promotes the effective utilization and application of the evidence, fostering informed decision-making in the field of health and nutrition.
Furthermore, in addition to their work in generating timely information, EPHI and NIPN Ethiopia have actively engaged in advocacy campaigns aimed at raising awareness about the critical importance of nutrition and the Seqota Declaration. They have utilized various platforms, including media engagements, public events, their website, social media channels, policy briefs, and community outreach initiatives, to promote understanding and garner support for improved nutrition outcomes.
Through these multifaceted approaches, they have not only sought to disseminate knowledge but also foster a broader understanding of the significance of nutrition in achieving positive health outcomes. By actively engaging with the public, policymakers, and communities, EPHI/NIPN Ethiopia continues to play a vital role in promoting awareness and garnering support for initiatives that aim to improve nutrition on a larger scale.
As the country strives to eliminate stunting and improve nutrition, collaborative efforts and evidence-based approaches are crucial for achieving success. Researchers from EPHI/NIPN, and IFPRI tirelessly work to deliver high-quality evidence in a timely manner. Unlike traditional approaches that poorly involve policymakers in the research process, they actively engage decision-makers.
EPHI and NIPN/Ethiopia researchers dedicate their efforts to generating timely, relevant, and high-quality evidence, strengthening evidence-based decision-making, and prioritizing health system and nutrition research. Emphasizing the importance of timeliness, relevance, engagement with decision-makers, and maintaining high quality is essential to ensuring the widespread adoption of evidence throughout the research process. Additionally, engaging decision-makers proactively in the research process facilitates the optimal utilization and application of evidence, thereby cultivating well-informed decision-making in the realm of health and nutrition.
Actively involving decision-makers in the research process promotes the effective utilization and application of the evidence, fostering informed decision-making in the field of health and nutrition.
In conclusion, the Seqota Declaration serves as a testament to Ethiopia's resolute dedication to eliminating child stunting and enhancing the welfare of its children. However, the realization of such commitments hinges solely on evidence-based decision-making. The declaration exemplifies the utmost importance of basing policy choices on robust evidence and has showcased the transformative potential of collaboration between research institutions and decision-makers. As Ethiopia continues on its path to eradicate child malnutrition and address other health challenges, the invaluable contributions of EPHI and NIPN will persist as crucial drivers in attaining the ambitious objectives outlined in the Seqota Declaration and other health and nutrition initiatives.
By Hailegebriel Endeshaw (Communications Officer with NIPN/EPHI)
All professionals who have been engaged in various careers need to upgrade their capacities regularly. This is generally known as professional development. Processes like upgrading, refreshing, training, and familiarizing oneself with new developments are given special emphasis in professional development. Professional development is of paramount importance in continuing one’s career growth and stepping up efforts to achieve one’s goals.
An individual can develop his/her profession through education, training, workshops, conferences, etc. If the given training or professional development endeavors are needed to be fruitful, many things can be considered as inputs. The most important one is the professional himself or herself, who takes the training or professional development course. A professional or an expert who stays long without having the regular updating of his/her profession is like a sword that has not been whetted.
The National Information Platform for Nutrition (NIPN) promotes evidence-based decision-making for nutrition and supports the implementation of the National Food and Nutrition Policy in Ethiopia.
NIPN is hosted by the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), but works under the national nutrition governance system and collaborates with many multi-sectoral nutrition stakeholders and partners of the National Food and Nutrition Policy and the National Food and Nutrition Strategy.
The task taken by NIPN needs serious effort and diligence. Taking this into consideration, NIPN has been engaged in the professional development or skill upgrading of partners and stakeholders. That’s why it has kept on providing regular trainings on building professional capacities.
Tsehay Kelemework is an instructor at Bahirdar University in the Amhara Region. She is one of the professionals who regularly attends the training and other career development programs of NIPN. She said she has taken trainings on Partnership Management, and Data Visualization.
Tsehay said that the training she received has helped her a lot in the activities she is carrying out along with her partners. “It has capacitated me to work with national and international institutions. For instance, I have become efficient at working with IFPRI,” Tsehay said.
Tsehay also said that the training being given by NIPN has given her the capacity to produce joint proposals with colleagues and win projects. “We have built our capacity to formulate joint grant proposals along with international (European and African) universities,” she said, adding that “particularly, the training on Partnership Management has enabled me to augment my confidence.”
Tsehay said that the training being given by NIPN is very helpful. But she suggests that, as all experts in almost similar fields trained together, it is good if the concerned body creates a platform that enables all to come together regularly for professional upgrading or refreshment. “This would make our training very fruitful. Let the capacity building and the issue of working together continue in an intensified manner,” she said.
Tsehay proposed that NIPN could provide more training on Leadership and Research Management.
Masresha Minuye is working for the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research as the Food Quality and Nutrition Research National Program Coordinator. He is one of the participants who regularly received training given by NIPN. Masresha recalled that he received various trainings like Data Analysis Using STATA, Data Visualization Using Power BI. Masresha said that the training he has taken has helped him a lot in his daily work. It enabled him to use the collected research data in transparent and meaningful ways, according to him. “I have learned that the data should be delivered in a manner that is transparent to readers and easily applicable by policy makers. I have learned that we should put research data in a website data repository,” Masresha said.
Regarding the change the training has brought to his work, Masresha said that he has developed a better understanding of utilizing data. “The training enabled me how I should use the research data in a much more convenient manner in my daily coordination responsibilities,” he said.
Masresha said that the trainings being given by NIPN regularly are very important and timely. “The topics picked for the training are very appropriate and timely.” He further said that NIPN should coordinate national food and nutrition related works in a better way and put the research works in a repository… Masresha has a view that it would be good if NIPN could think of giving training on “The Evaluation and Development Program”.
Abraham Aregai is working for the Tigray Health Research Institute. He is among the experts who regularly receive training given by NIPN. Abraham said that he has taken training on Scientific Reading and Writing, Introduction to Analysis Using STATA, Introduction to GIS, and Power-BI for Visualization.
Speaking of the benefit he got from the various trainings supplied by NIPN, Abraham said that the training helped him to write and analyze data from secondary data sources properly. “The training helped me to see the changes in the environment regarding the same disease. I have also shared with my colleagues the major points of the training I received here,” Abraham said.
Abraham is of the opinion that if more training on different topics is given, it will be much more helpful. He proposed training under the following topics: Grant Writing, STATA, GIS at an advanced level, Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
He said that it would be good if NIPN thought of involving more regional institutes during such important training, as it helps to boost their effectiveness and quality.
Coordinator of NIPN-Ethiopia, Aregash Samuel (Dr.), said that different capacity-building trainings have been provided to nutrition researchers, media houses, and partners, including the NIPN and EPHI teams. She said that the training focused on developing skills to increase the capacity of NIPN’s team to better serve the needs of nutrition researchers. The training also focuses on using media to communicate health and health-related scientific evidence.
Speaking of the outcome, the NIPN-Ethiopia Coordinator said that following the training given on various occasions, NIPN’s teams have been able to use the new skills and knowledge gained from the training to make great strides in research, media relations, and partnership activities. “Our nutrition researchers have acquired new skills to analyze national nutrition data, generate evidence, and use an internationally designed tool called LiST (Lives Saved Tool). Our media team has used their improved communication skills to write newsletters and update the NIPN social media and website on the progress of our research,” she said.
Aregash said that in analyzing the existing data and evidence to respond to the policy questions, the capacity of researchers needs to be built. That’s why NIPN has been engaged in providing various capacity building trainings. NIPN 2.0 has planned to provide nine trainings during the project period. It is to be recalled that more than six trainings were provided during NIPN 1.0.
NIPN has not implemented any assessment methods so far regarding the evaluation of the trainings being given. But after every training, it has been collecting views and comments from trainees. Apart from that, “we hear informally that researchers have benefited from the training,” Dr. Aregash said.
NIPN-Ethiopia has provided training on various subjects since 2020. In 2020, a training was given to researchers drawn from different organizations under the theme, “the best ways to provide evidence and interact with policy and decision makers”, according to Aregash.
The other training was also given to program officers drawn from sectoral offices in 2021 on Project Planning, implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation. Dr. Aregash said that so far, three trainings have been given to private and public media staff and PR officers from multi-sectoral offices on “Access to Health Research Information” in October 2021.
Trainings given in 2023 include, among others, Data Visualization: Introduction to Creating Dashboards using Power BI for EPHI staff; Writing Potentially Fundable Proposals; Partnership Management; Basic STATA training; Systematic review and Meta-analysis; Data Visualization: Introduction to Creating Dashboards using Power BI for MER SC. (NIPN)
By Tekle Tesfalidet
As the saying goes, investing in education always yields the best dividends. It is widely recognized that investing in education is one of the most valuable investments an organization or a country can make, given its long-term benefits that far outweigh the initial costs. Although investing in education or training demands significant time, effort, and financial resources, the knowledge and skills acquired through education can lead to greater opportunities for individuals, sponsoring organizations, and the country at large.
In line with this perspective, as mentioned in our previous issue, NIPN Ethiopia has awarded PhD scholarships to five employees from EPHI and one from the Ministry of Agriculture/Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR). These recipients are currently pursuing their studies at prestigious universities, including Oklahoma State University (OSU), Addis Ababa University (AAU), Wageningen University and Research (WUR), and University College Cork (UCC).
In our previous issue, we explored the stories of two scholarship winners participating in a dual degree program offered by OSU and AAU. Now, we shift our focus to two scholarship recipients from EPHI and the Ministry of Agriculture/EIAR. They are currently studying at Wageningen University and Research (WUR) and University College Cork (UCC). Temesgen Awoke, from EPHI, is pursuing his education at UCC, while Ruth Mijena, from the MOA/EIAR, is studying at WUR. Both of them have served as researchers in their respective organizations.
This piece will focus on their areas of research, the significant impact the scholarships have had on their professional trajectories, and their commitment to their organization and country.
Rightly, they are both highly appreciative of the scholarship grant. Temesgen says, “Receiving this scholarship is essential for my financial stability and is a crucial component of my academic pursuits, complemented by additional institutional support.” Ruth, on her part, remarks, “I am grateful that the scholarship is helping me to pay for tuition fees and living allowances during the course of the PhD.”
When elaborating on the impact that the scholarship will have on the recipients, Dr. Aregash Samuel, Senior Researcher at EPHI and NIPIN Ethiopia Coordinator, said, 'As PhD students, they are going to generate data-based evidence, and all of them are studying nutrition-related issues.” Adding further, she said, “Yes, their research findings will contribute to the science and fill the existing evidence gap in nutrition."
Speaking about his specific research topic for his PhD studies, Temesgen emphasizes that his research focuses on the food system of Ethiopia, particularly the food practices and their impact on diet quality and nutrient intake. He explains, "Through this study, my aim is to provide new empirical evidence on aspects of the food system and diet that have not been thoroughly explored before."
Ruth, on her part, said that the topic of her PhD study is “Circular food systems for a healthy diet and planet: The Ethiopian case.”She hoped that her study on circular food would have a significant impact on public health by examining whether the current food system contributes to a healthy diet or not. If not, she pointed out, "I aim to explore whether we can achieve a healthy diet and a sustainable environment by modeling and transitioning to a circular food system. Additionally, I will compare the current and future scenarios and propose pathways for policy development."
Regarding the challenges she encountered during her PhD program, Ruth highlighted the various obstacles she faced, particularly as a woman and a parent. She acknowledged that she constantly needed to find a balance between the demands of her study and her family responsibilities. The fact that her husband is taking most of the family responsibility and her daughter’s support is helping her to focus on her study. She emphasized that pursuing a PhD was a decision made by the entire family, considering it as a shared mission. Ruth expressed her optimism, stating, "I hope that we will successfully overcome these challenges when I graduate."
In Temesgen's case, one of the challenges he encountered was that the scholarship solely covered the tuition fee, “leaving no provision for research expenses.”
As young and dedicated public health researchers, Ruth and Temesgen have already established themselves as valuable assets within their respective organizations, which is why they were awarded the scholarship grant. Now, with the prestigious scholarship they have been granted, Ruth and Temesgen are even more determined to serve diligently, fully acknowledging and appreciating the significant investment made in their education and professional development.
When asked about his commitment to serving his organization after graduation, Temesgen stated, “I would serve my Institute according to the commitment I signed.”In response to the same question, Ruth expressed her dedication by saying, "To the fullest extent." She further emphasized, "As I mentioned earlier, the terms and conditions of the contract should not restrict a researcher who has the desire to serve his country to the fullest extent."
In conclusion, EPHI and NIPN Ethiopia's unwavering dedication to training and nurturing capable individuals to effectively promote nutrition and tackle the various factors contributing to malnutrition is evident. The provision of scholarships to the six individuals is a testament to their ongoing efforts. However, expanding these efforts by actively pursuing more scholarship opportunities for aspiring researchers, both domestically and internationally, is essential to inspiring and supporting future scholars in the field. While such initiatives pose challenges in terms of time, resources, and temporary personnel loss, the resulting benefits are highly rewarding.