Internal Event
Virtual seminar

COVID-19 and its Impacts on Childhood Malnutrition and Nutrition-related Mortality

Event Report
Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI)
National Information Platform for Nutrition (NIPN), Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), IFPRI, and Food Security Portal

The COVID-19 pandemic poses grave risks to the nutritional status and survival of young children in low- and middle-income countries, due in part to steep declines in household incomes, changes in the availability and affordability of nutritious foods, and interruptions to health, nutrition, and social protection services. Recent analysis carried out by IFPRI suggests that there could be a 14% increase in the prevalence of moderate or severe wasting among children younger than 5 years due to COVID-19-related losses in GNI per capita.

The webinar, with support from the European Commission, presented findings from this global study on COVID-19 and its impact on childhood malnutrition and nutrition-related mortality. A distinguished panel reflected on the implications of these findings for Ethiopia.

Introduction:

  • Dr Aregash Samuel, NIPN Coordinator, EPHI/NIPN
  • Teunis Van Rheenen, Head of Partnerships & Business Development, IFPRI

Moderator:

  • Cornelia van Zyl, Senior Technical and Policy Advisor, IFPRI/NIPN

Presenter:

  • Derek Headey, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI

Panelists:

  • Dr Ferew Lemma - Senior Advisor Office of the State Minister (Programs), Federal Ministry of Health
  • Dr Sisay Sinamo - Senior Program Manager of the Sequota Declaration Implementation, Federal Program Delivery Unit, Ministry of Health

Find the summary report here.