Bonga Workshop Wraps Up
Closing the event, coordinator of the National Information Platform for Nutrition-Ethiopia (NIPN-Ethiopia), Dr. Aregash Samuel said that the workshop aimed at equipping health professionals and university instructors from various health and higher learning institutes of SWER with knowledge and skills related to nutrition data analysis, policy question formulation, and effective communication strategies. “We sincerely believe that the training and workshop event is expected to enhance the expertise of researchers, academics, and other participants,” she added.
The diverse schedule of the workshop featured captivating presentations from leading experts. Dr. Aregash initiated the discussion on the NIPN process, specifically addressing the Policy Question Formulation (PQF) and the challenges faced at both national and regional levels.
Following Dr. Aregash’s presentations, Mr. Bedassa Tessema, Data Analyst at NIPN/EPHI, delivered a series of presentations on the practical application of SPSS software, covering topics such as data entry, cleaning, processing, descriptive statistics, and the Chi-Square test of association, as well as multiple linear regression, including its assumptions and hypothesis testing. In addition, he explained ANOVA for assessing variance and the binary logit model, which provided participants with essential tools for advanced data analysis. Overall, these sessions equipped attendees with practical knowledge that is crucial for effective data analysis.
In his presentation, Dr. Samson Mideksa, a senior researcher from NIPN/EPHI, emphasized that evidence consists of facts that are used to support a conclusion or claim and is critical for making informed decisions rooted in verifiable information derived from direct experience or observation. He also highlighted the importance of Evidence-Informed Policy Making (EIPM), stating that it emphasizes that policy decisions should be based on the best available evidence, ensuring a comprehensive integration of evidence in the decision-making process.
Following Dr. Samson's presentation, Dr. Aregash highlighted the purpose and components of policy briefs, emphasizing their crucial role in shaping effective health strategies. In addition, Mr. Tekle Tesfalidet, content editor from NIPN, addressed the communication and dissemination of nutrition information, underlining the importance of effectively conveying vital health messages.
All presentations were engaging and interactive, featuring questions and lively discussions. Three attendees shared their reflections on the presentations and the discussions throughout the three-day workshop.
Mr. Ayele Mogesie, SWEPHI PHEM Officer, stated that the training was extremely beneficial. With numerous outbreaks in the region, the knowledge gained about data analysis using the software will aid in analyzing risk factors. Additionally, the communication training will enhance information sharing with decision-makers and the community.
Mr. Birhanu Effa, a lecturer at Wolaita Soda University, Dawro Tarcha Campus, emphasized that the training highlighted the importance of collaboration between universities and health institutions. “The tools learned for data analysis were particularly valuable,” he emphasized.
Mr. Legesse Utino, PHEM Officer at the Dawro Zone Health Department, noted that the training provided insights for analyzing issues related to food and nutrition, as well as understanding stunting levels, which is crucial for data-driven decision-making.
Following the three-day workshop on experience sharing and knowledge transfer, the Deputy Director General of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), Dr. Getachew Tollera, donated, on behalf of EPHI, two laptop computers, two Wi-Fi devices, four microscopes, and financial support of one million Ethiopian Birr to the SWER Public Health Institute (PHI).
NIPN-Ethiopia coordinator Dr. Aregash Samuel stated on the occasion that the donation provided by NIPN and EPHI to the region’s PHI would help the health practitioners facilitate their research in the health sector. Dr. Aregash further noted that NIPN-Ethiopia would continue to strengthen collaboration with the regional public health institute and universities. (NIPN/EPHI).
