Fekadu, Habtamu

Effective governance is essential for effective nutrition program implementation. There are additional challenges in launching multisector plans to enhance nutritional status. The present study compares the challenges and opportunities in Ethiopia and Nepal in designing and implementing a multisector plan for nutrition. A semi-quantitative questionnaire with open-ended questions was used to solicit information from senior national-level policy officials and other key stakeholders.

The Government of Ethiopia (GOE) is committed to improving the nutritional status of the population. The GOE has made significant progress in reducing malnutrition since 2000. The revised National Nutrition Program is aimed at accelerating the decrease in under nutrition through a multi sector nutrition plan. This study assessed the facilitators and constraints to adopting the NNP at the national and sub national level. Key issues were identified including leadership, coordination, awareness, capacity and budget. A series of recommendations derived from the study data are included.