Nation Registers Milestone in Fight against Childhood Undernutrition: EPHI

Addis Ababa, November 24, 2025 (ENA)—  The Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) said that Ethiopia has made a significant milestone in its fight against childhood under nutrition, celebrating the successful conclusion of the first phase of the National Information Platform for Nutrition (NIPN).

EPHI Deputy Director General Getachew Tollera hailed the achievement as a major national victory, emphasizing the growing impact of data-driven policymaking across the country.

The announcement was made during a workshop themed “The Legacy of NIPN Ethiopia: Milestones, Lessons, and the Way Forward,” held in Addis Ababa from November 24-25, 2025, to highlight the platform’s accomplishments since its establishment.

 Getachew noted the progress of NIPN on the nation’s nutritional landscape.

“It is a touching moment to reflect on the remarkable contributions of the National Information Platform for Nutrition since 2018, and we take immense pride in what we have accomplished over the years,” he said.

He underscored NIPN’s pivotal role in shaping national nutrition policies through evidence-based decision-making.

According to him, “The evidence generated was instrumental in shaping the National Nutrition Program II.”

NIPN’s rigorous data analyses have offered crucial insights into the nutritional challenges faced by Ethiopian communities, it was learnt.

These findings have directly informed major national frameworks, including NIPN II, food strategy, and the food systems transformation agenda, he elaborated.

Hiwot Darsene Nutrition Coordination Lead Executive Officer at Ministry of Health also commended the NIPN team for its timely and effective policy contributions.

 

 

“Research has contributed to improved decision-making by providing the evidence base for policy and program design,” she said, reaffirming the platform’s crucial influence.

Hiwot added that NIPN played a key role in guiding the expansion phase of the Seqota Declaration, noting, “We witnessed NIPN’s ability to present progress and give directions from the advisory committee.”

As part of its legacy, NIPN has established a national data repository and dashboard to maximize the use of nutrition-related data among stakeholders.

Regional implementation efforts are also expanding, with activities now extending into the Amhara and Sidama regional public health institutions as part of broader decentralization efforts.

GIZ Project Manager Tanja Dorn praised the initiative for fostering strong national ownership and long-term commitment.

“I am pleased to reflect on the remarkable progress achieved through NIPN with our partners,” she said.

 

 

Dorn emphasized that the platform’s achievements reflect a robust, country-led initiative, adding, “All these achievements reflect a strong, country-led, and country-owned initiative, one that is building systems that will last.”  

She noted the growing demand for NIPN services and reaffirmed that “evidence is central to decision-making.”