News in Brief:
– The US has launched a $70 million program to improve nutrition for women and children in Ethiopia, focusing on vulnerable groups throughout their lives and even during emergencies.
-This initiative, implemented by Family Health International 360, builds upon a 120-year partnership between the US and Ethiopia to address malnutrition challenges.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced a new $70 million initiative to improve nutrition for women, children, and adolescent girls in Ethiopia.
Known as the Feed the Future Ethiopia Community Nutrition Activity, the program is part of the US government’s broader commitment to addressing malnutrition in the country.
The project was launched on 8 February 2024 and it builds upon existing investments in health, agriculture, sanitation, education, and other sectors. This is in a bid to create a multi-pronged approach to tackling nutritional challenges.
Elaborating further, USAID Mission Director Scott Hocklander, said the project focuses on individuals throughout their lives, from early childhood to motherhood and beyond. He added that the holistic approach is significant in breaking the cycle of malnutrition that affects generations.
Key features of the initiative include:
- Focus on vulnerable groups: The program prioritises the nutritional needs of women, children, and adolescent girls.
- Lifecycle approach: Nutritional support is provided across different stages of life, from birth through schooling and into adulthood.
- Humanitarian support: The program aims to ensure continued access to nutritional services even during emergencies.
- Widespread implementation: The initiative will reach over 155 districts across nine regions and one city in Ethiopia.
Meantime, the Family Health International 360 and its consortium partners will lead the implementation of the project. This builds upon a long history of collaboration between the US and Ethiopia on various development initiatives.
