ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA — Millers for Nutrition, a coalition of food fortification stakeholders, is now operating in Ethiopia.

The coalition, which has a presence in eight countries, said Ethiopia has made remarkable strides in improving nutrition over the past two decades, thanks to support from the Ethiopian government and effective health and agriculture extension systems.

However, despite these achievements, the country continues to face pressing nutritional challenges. According to recent data from the Manufacturing Industry Development Institute’s Food and Beverage Industry Research and Development Center, 39% of children under age 5 are stunted, 22% are underweight, and 11% are wasted.

Eyakem Amsalu, Millers for Nutrition program manager for Ethiopia, said these statistics highlight the urgent need for continued efforts to address malnutrition and ensure that all children have access to the essential nutrients required for healthy growth and development.

“The launch of Millers for Nutrition is a significant milestone in our battle against malnutrition in Ethiopia,” Amsalu said. “It exemplifies our commitment to empowering local millers with the necessary tools and knowledge to enhance the nutritional quality of staple food through fortification. Through collaboration and innovative solutions, we aim to establish a sustainable environment where fortified foods become the norm, ensuring all Ethiopians have access to essential nutrients for a healthier future.”

Millers for Nutrition operates in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Tanzania, and now Ethiopia. The coalition is dedicated to supporting millers in their efforts to fortify essential food staples such as rice, edible oil and flour (wheat and maize) with vital micronutrients crucial to combating malnutrition.

The coalition empowers millers by providing the resources and expertise to achieve and maintain high food fortification standards while improving and enhancing operational efficiencies.