Project Description

There is a major nutrition crisis in the Tigray Region of northern Ethiopia due to drought, locusts, COVID,but particularly in the aftermath of the 2020-2022 genocidal Tigray War. The Tigray Health Research Institute (THRI) puts the prevalence of malnutrition in Tigray at 17%, well above the WHO threshold of 15% for a flashing red light emergency. There has been a low-cost, proven, cure for severe acute childhood malnutrition for over 40 years, using specially formulated therapeutic food made from peanut butter, powdered milk, specially formulated vitamins and minerals, along with sugar, vegetable oil, and cereal. This is 95% effective in reversing acute malnutrition and it can be administered by a child's mother on an outpatient basis. 10 kg of this ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) administered over several weeks can save a child's life. It costs $40. The Fewsi Foundation, a US-based not for profit tax-exempt public charity, has opened a factory in Mekelle, Ethiopia in partnership with Mekelle University, the THRI, and the Tigray Regional Health Bureau to produce and distribute RUTF free of charge through health bureau clinics. We need additional funding for importing critical raw materials (powdered milk and vitamin/mineral supplements) and the purchase of a large industrial 40 liter bakery mixer, etc. As distribution of this RUTF expands, we hope to scale up by opening other facilities in other cities, such as Axum, Adigrat, and Shire. The need for this intervention is likely to be present for many more years, given the current situaiton.

Background/Qualifications

I am a physician and anthropologist who has lived and worked in this region for over 15 years. In 2024 I held a Fulbright Scholarship to Mekelle University, where I continue to hold the position of Adjunct Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the College of Health Sciences at Mekelle University. In addition to my specialist medical training, I have a doctoral degree in social anthropology. Most importantly, I have deep and extensive personal relationships with the key players in this project, with whom it was developed jointly. This project originated "bottom up" from local needs, not "top down" from an outside entity. It has full buy-in from Mekelle University, the Tigray Health Research Institute, and the Tigray Regional Health Bureau. The need is great and the resources are few. This can, and does, make a direct impact on people on the ground in their daily lives and struggles. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Social Media/Website

www.fewsi.org; www.dignityperiod.org; dept of anthropology website, Washington University in St Louis; worldwide fistula fund website

Funding Amount Requested

$50,000 would be great. Need 25,000 for a 40 litre Hobart commercial bakery mixer imported from Dubai. The other costs for raw materials, logistics, etc.