By: Mohammed Fitamo
Ethiopia has been lauded by the United Nations as an exemplary nation for its school feeding program, which is significantly improving the nutritional status of its population, according to Frealem Shibabaw, who participated in the forum.
Frealem Shibabaw, author of the book "A Nation is Built in 1000 Days," emphasized that if children receive adequate nutrition from conception up to two years of age, their mental development will be rapid, and their mindset will undergo a positive transformation.
The concept of school feeding in Ethiopia originated 13 years ago, stated Frealem Shibabaw, Director of Ethiopia's School Feeding Program. She noted that a study conducted at that time revealed a stunting rate of 67%, which has now been successfully reduced to 35%.
To address the issue, the previously fragmented school feeding program, which was implemented at an individual level, gained acceptance under the reformist government. It has since been supported by a regular budget and implemented officially, leading to remarkable changes. She added that this initiative has become a significant example, even cited by the United Nations.
Frealem Shibabaw confirmed in an interview with EBC dotstream that the school feeding program, initiated two years ago under the resolute leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD), was believed to require policy-level approval for its continuation, which enabled its successful implementation.
She stressed that the nutrition program's sustainability depends on government policy support and domestic resource allocation. As an example, Frealem mentioned that previous programs initiated with World Food Program support in the Somali and Afar regions did not last.
During the Addis Ababa forum, UN officials acknowledged Ethiopia's demonstration that school feeding challenges can be overcome in a short period, stating that African countries should learn from Ethiopia's experience.
Frealem Shibabaw remarked, "For me, it gives great success and joy that the government has declared its ownership of this matter while I am still alive."
Ethiopia is currently working to reduce stunting caused by nutritional deficiencies to zero by 2030 through initiatives like the Food Revolution, School Feeding, the Seqota Declaration, and the "Ye Lemat Tirufat" (Bounty of the Basket) program.
