Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh announced that Ethiopia has successfully saved 100,000 children from stunting over the past year. This milestone was achieved by placing food and nutrition security at the very center of the national development agenda.

The Deputy Prime Minister shared these results today while launching an Ethio-Nigeria leadership experience-sharing forum focused on delivering tangible changes in nutrition. He highlighted the implementation of the Seqota Declaration as a core pillar of this national effort.

During the initiative's pilot phase, child stunting decreased by an average of three percent annually in targeted areas. The recent expansion phase accelerated this progress dramatically, protecting nearly 100,000 children from stunting in just one year. Temesgen credited this rapid success to strong political commitment, increased investment, institutional focus, and active community participation.

Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima attended the forum and praised Ethiopia’s aggressive approach to preventing child malnutrition. He described Ethiopia’s vision to protect all children under two from stunting by 2030 as deeply impressive.

Shettima specifically commended Ethiopia's guiding principle of "one goal, one plan, and one budget." He noted that this government-led strategy, combined with strong partner engagement, offers bright hope for children across the region.

Launched in 2015, the Seqota Declaration is a comprehensive 15-year commitment. It aims to completely eliminate stunting in children under two years of age by 2030.