Revolutionising multi-sectoral nutrition policy: Insights from the Ethiopian National Information Platform for Nutrition (NiPN) approach
The global nutrition and food security crisis, characterised by troubling trends in various forms of malnutrition ranging from hunger to obesity, has significantly worsened [1,2]. In 2021 and 2022, nearly one-third of the global population faced moderate to severe food insecurity, underscoring a persistent challenge in accessing healthy and sustainable diets [1,3]. This decline in diet quality has led to a surge in malnutrition, with obesity and diet-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) reaching epidemic proportions [4–6].
Despite the implementation of numerous nutrition policies and interventions, many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) continue to grapple with food and nutrition security issues, posing a significant threat to vulnerable populations [3,7]. Food insecurity is particularly evident among the poor, with women and children in rural areas being the most affected [1,2,8]. In 2022 alone, an alarming 230 million children under the age of five experienced some form of malnutrition. Specifically, 148 million (22.3%) were stunted, 45 million (6.8%) were wasted, and 37 million (5.6%) were overweight [1,9,10]. Stunting and wasting were more prevalent in rural areas, while overweight was somewhat more common in urban settings. In Ethiopia, the latest national survey showed that 37% of children under five were stunted, 11% were wasted, and 22% were underweight [11].
Evidence-based approaches and effective programming are essential in tackling these persistent nutrition challenges and improving outcomes. These methods address policy gaps and are cost-effective in resource-poor settings. Recognising the importance of evidence-based policy, driven by political and accountability demands, helps raise awareness and guide decision-making through multisectoral collaboration. However, more evidence does not always mean better policies, as cognitive and institutional factors can hinder effective use. Emphasising knowledge translation in nutrition research is crucial [12], yet many studies focus only on policy formulation, neglecting the systematic analysis of implementation. This highlights the need to address the impact of research on policy and programme execution.
Authors
Zerfu, Taddese Alemu; Tareke, Amare Abera; Genye, Tirsit; Bayable, Melaku; Muleta, Anbissa; Getu, Zekarias; Negese, Tarekegn; Darsene, Hiwot; Tessema, Bedassa; Molla, Dejen Tesfaw; Halala, Yoseph; Zewdu, Frezer; Sinamo, Sisay; Tsegaye, Daniel; Neu, Ingo; Mirsaidova, Manzura; Sarkar, Archana; Tessema, Masresha; Hafebo, Aregash Samuel
Citation
Zerfu, Taddese Alemu; Tareke, Amare Abera; Genye, Tirsit; Bayable, Melaku; Muleta, Anbissa; Getu, Zekarias; et al. 2024. Revolutionising multi-sectoral nutrition policy: Insights from the Ethiopian National Information Platform for Nutrition (NiPN) approach. Journal of Global Health 14: 03041. https://jogh.org/2024/jogh-14-03041
Keywords
Sub-saharan Africa; Eastern Africa; Nutrition; Food Security; Obesity; Malnutrition; Non-communicable Diseases; Poverty; Rural Areas; Stunting; Wasting Disease (nutritional Disorder)
Access/Licence
Open Access
Record type
Journal Article
