Seqota Declaration registers tangible results in food, nutrition, and community-based health insurance service: Deputy PM

Addis Ababa, July 5, 2025 (FMC) — Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh announced significant achievements in Ethiopia’s food system transformation, nutrition strategy, Seqota Declaration, and Community-Based Health Insurance program during a recent national performance review.

Addressing the forum evaluating the 2017 Ethiopian fiscal year’s progress and the 2018 plan for these key initiatives, Temesgen highlighted the strong leadership commitment and active community participation as critical factors driving the successful implementation of national directives.

“The Food and Nutrition Programs advanced under the Seqota Declaration stand as testaments to our leadership’s commitment and the community’s ownership,” he said, describing these as model local solutions applicable to other programs.

He emphasized that expanding community-based efforts is essential to combat stunting and other malnutrition challenges. “The goals set in the Food and Nutrition Strategy and Seqota Declaration can be realized through community mobilization and ownership,” Temesgen noted, adding that ongoing expansion phases actively engage people with a sense of ownership.

The Deputy Prime Minister underscored the importance of local innovations at Woreda and Kebele levels, where identifying nutrition problems has contributed substantially to achievements thus far.

Noting that the Seqota Declaration’s expansion phase is approaching completion next year, he stressed the urgency of preparing for the next five-year phase in alignment with the 15-year roadmap.

Turning to health sector reforms, Temesgen highlighted the Community-Based Health Insurance program, which aims to ensure universal health coverage and equitable access to quality health services. In the 2017 fiscal year, more than 63 million citizens received coverage through this program, which is playing a vital role in improving living conditions by reducing medical expenses.

“The Community-Based Health Insurance program has gained widespread acceptance and is integral to enhancing the health and economic well-being of our citizens,” he said.

The Deputy Prime Minister called for further consolidation of institutional and community efforts to accelerate the implementation of the Food and Nutrition Strategy and Seqota Declaration.

Launched in 2015, the Seqota Declaration represents Ethiopia’s 15-year commitment to eradicate stunting in children under two years by 2030. This multi-sectoral initiative involves nine government ministries, including Health, Agriculture, Education, Water and Energy, Women and Social Affairs, Transport, Finance, Labor, and Culture, working in coordinated efforts.