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Ethiopia Showcases Child Health, Nutrition Gains at African Union summit

Feb 16, 2026 190

Ethiopia has showcased its recent progress in child healthcare and food security during a high-level ministerial meeting held on the sidelines of the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly. The forum, which centered on the critical state of pediatric health and nutrition across the continent, drew a prestigious delegation including King Letsie III of Lesotho, the AU Champion for Nutrition, alongside international experts and senior government officials.

Addressing the assembly, Adem Farah, Head of the Democracy Building Coordination Center with the rank of Deputy Prime Minister, highlighted that Ethiopia’s targeted national campaigns over the past few years are now delivering "tangible change." He noted that these initiatives have improved access to balanced diets and bolstered community resilience, directly benefiting millions of mothers and children across the country. 

Adem Farah reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and sustainable food supply, arguing that such efforts are the only way to safeguard the well-being of future generations. He called on all stakeholders to prioritize these issues, describing the development of human capital as the fundamental bedrock of African prosperity.

Adding a technical perspective to the discussion, State Minister of Health Dr. Dereje Duguma shared Ethiopia’s specific strategies for implementing effective nutrition programs. He pointed to the encouraging results stemming from the "Seqota Declaration" and various early childhood development projects as a blueprint for other nations to follow. 

This sentiment was echoed by former Deputy Prime Minister and Yadam Foundation Chairman, Demeke Mekonnen, who emphasized that any lasting improvement in continental nutrition would require a combination of strong political leadership, sustainable financing, and climate-responsive strategies.

The meeting concluded with a significant step toward continental cooperation as the African Union signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Nutrition International. According to the Ministry of Health, this agreement is designed to provide a framework for enhancing nutritional standards and food security across Africa.