Transforming Lives: A Journey from Crisis to Health-Through TDA’s Nutrition Project

The Tigrai Development Association (TDA), working together with UNICEF and the Tigray Health Bureau (THB), has revealed that the percentage of children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) has decreased significantly from 8.1 percent to 2.6 percent.

In a nutrition review meeting held in Maichew town, organized by TDA in partnership with UNICEF and THB, Professor Afewerki Mulugeta, a renowned nutritionist who led the study, reported that their action-based study on SAM, which assisted over 6,000 children (3,225 children in Maichew town, 1,890 in Endemekoni, 1,215 in Nekseghe woredas), yielded positive results in the three districts of the south zone-the impact of the intervention became evident. The workshop was attended by staff from TDA, UNICEF, and THB, as well as local administrative officials.

Professor Afewerki announced the results of the survey conducted over the past eight months on a total of 6,330 children aged between 6 to 23 months. He attributed the reduction in SAM cases to the implementation of Sustainable Local Nutrition Solutions (SQLNS) by mothers, along with daily follow-up. This intervention led to a decrease in SAM cases from 8.1 percent to 2 percent.

Dr. Tesfahunegn Hailemariam, TDA Deputy Executive Director, emphasized the project’s focus on sustainable local solutions to local problems, benefiting children in both accessible and hard-to-reach areas. Acknowledging the collaborative efforts of 103 integrated family health professionals and leaders, he expressed gratitude to all stakeholders involved.

Ms. Nigisti Tsegay, the Nutrition Project Coordinator at TDA, emphasized that the project was executed in a coordinated manner to support children suffering from SAM, laying the groundwork for finding local solutions to community issues and learning valuable lessons for future projects.

Mrs. Misrak Grimay, an integrated family health worker in Endemekoni district, and Sister Awet, a health professional in Maichew town, shared their experiences of conducting data collection, monitoring, and evaluation during the project. They stressed the importance of continuing such projects for the well-being of future generations.