Leaders, stakeholders discuss ways to enhance multisectoral collaboration, improve nutrition in Africa
Addis Ababa, February 14, 2025 (FMC) — Leaders and stakeholders converge in the Ethiopian capital to enhance multisectoral collaboration, ensuring a united effort to improve nutrition across the continent.
High-level event on malnutrition and nutrition commitments in Africa kicks off in Addis Ababa on the margins of the 38th AU Summit.
The event was attended by President William Ruto of Kenya, FAO Director-General, Qu Dongyu, former Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia Mr. Demeke Mekonnen, Ethiopia’s Minister of Health Dr. Mekdes Daba, other high-level dignitaries from across Africa and the world.
The high-level side event was jointly organized by the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Development Bank (through the Africa Leaders for Nutrition Initiative), the Government of Lesotho, and the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.
It is indicated that malnutrition remains a critical challenge in Africa, costing the continent an estimated $153 billion annually in lost productivity and economic growth.
The event focused on accelerating Africa’s collective efforts to combat malnutrition under the theme: “From Policy to Action: Towards a Common Position to Address Malnutrition in Africa.”
In her keynote speech, Health Minister of Ethiopia Dr. Mekdes Daba shared her country’s achievements, innovative initiatives and strategies in the agriculture sector as well as the strides being undertaken to build climate change resilient nutrition and food system.
For his part, Director-General of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Mr. Qu Dongyu pointed out that the world without hunger initiative is off-track, emphasizing the importance of synergy among stakeholders.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has also highlighted the results recorded in combatting malnutrition across the continent with support from the bank.
The event celebrated progress achieved through high-level advocacy led by AU Nutrition Champion, His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho, while reflecting on lessons learned in the fight against malnutrition. It assessed financial and policy commitments made by AU Member States and strengthen Africa’s position ahead of the upcoming Nutrition for Growth Summit in Paris.
The event further aimed at mobilizing political will and reaffirming Africa’s commitment to tackling malnutrition,
A key highlight of this gathering was the launch of the Strategic Framework for Anaemia Prevention in Africa, which focuses on urgent, evidence-based, and multi-sectoral interventions to combat anaemia and improve health outcomes.
Additionally, the even served as a platform to solidify Africa’s unified position for the 2025 Nutrition for Growth Summit, ensuring nutrition remains a top priority in the continent’s development agenda.
