EPHI organized another successful NIPN-Nutrition Policy and Research Seminar on November 7, 2019.

During this seminar, evidence was brought on "Reducing Chronic Undernutrition through Nutrition-Sensitive Social Protection.ÔÇØ 
Dr.Aregash Samuel, the deputy director of the FSNRD welcomed the audience, explained the key objectives of the NIPN and the importance of providing decision-makers with timely information.  
Subsequently, Professor John Hoddinott (Cornell University, USA) explained in detail how the Bangladesh social protection program was able to influence nutrition outcomes and described the implications of this evidence for Ethiopia. He specifically stressed the importance of linking behavior change communication with social protection interventions and mentioned that the effectiveness of these interventions could be enhanced through frequent interactions. In addition, the Bangladesh experience also shows that follow-up discussions with beneficiaries should be built in the communication interventions, with a specific focus on problem solving . As social protection programs are increasing the income of the poor, he also stressed the importance of market access by the program beneficiaries to a wide range of food items in order to increase diet diversity.  
 This presentation came very timely, considering that Ethiopia is currently designing the fifth phase of the Productive Safety Net (PSNP).  This allowed for very lively discussions on how Bangladesh experiences could be considered for decision making in Ethiopia.