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In a significant stride towards combating malnutrition and improving public health, the Ethiopian government has recently endorsed the mandatory fortification of essential food items, such as edible oil, wheat flour, and potassium iodide. This decision aims to prevent the high burden of neural tube defects (NTDs) and address widespread micronutrient deficiencies in the country. By fortifying these staple foods, Ethiopia is taking a proactive approach to improve the overall well-being of its population and pave the way for a healthier future, writes EBR’s Eden Teshome


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Breast cancer, a global menace, stands as the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Its devastating grip extends across the borders of both developed and developing countries, leaving no nation untouched. Ethiopia, a land of vibrant culture and resilience, grapples with the weight of this affliction. Within its borders, breast cancer silently preys upon countless women, casting a shadow over their lives. Yet, a veil of ignorance shrouds the populace, obscuring the urgency of the matter. The lack of awareness engenders a troubling trend: a multitude of sufferers, aware of breast-related issues, choose to endure their plight in silence, avoiding the doors of hospitals. EBR’s Dr. Brook Genene delves into the current state of this battle, unearthing the challenges that lie ahead.


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Though bathed in year-round sunshine, Ethiopia faces a surprising yet critical health issue: vitamin D deficiency. This essential nutrient, crucial for bone health and immune function, is lacking in many Ethiopians, both children and adults. The paradox lies in several factors. Limited access to vitamin D-rich foods like fish and eggs, coupled with cultural practices and clothing that minimize sun exposure, contribute to the deficiency. Additionally, darker skin tones naturally synthesize vitamin D less effectively.

The consequences of this deficiency are far-reaching, increasing the risk of bone diseases like rickets and osteoporosis, weakening the immune system, and hindering muscle development.

Addressing this challenge necessitates a multifaceted approach. Promoting a balanced diet rich in vitamin D sources, along with public awareness campaigns highlighting the importance of sun exposure and vitamin D supplementation, are crucial steps. Additionally, government initiatives like fortifying staple foods and promoting outdoor activities can play a significant role.

Overcoming this public health concern requires collaboration between the government, healthcare providers, and communities. Only through concerted efforts can Ethiopia harness the power of sunshine and ensure the health and well-being of its citizens. EBR’s Dr. Brook Genene takes a closer look at the matter.


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Tackling New Challenges, Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

Good nutrition is essential for everyone’s health and well-being. It is crucial for children, as malnutrition can lead to stunted growth, cognitive impairment, and reduced productivity in adulthood. Ethiopia has made significant progress in reducing malnutrition in recent years, but more work still needs to be done. Investing in nutrition is good for the economy. However, Ethiopia’s malnutrition problem has been exacerbated by conflict and climate shocks. These factors have led to food inflation and population displacement. Despite the growing challenges to the fight against malnutrition, the country still has the potential to become an exemplar state for malnutrition solutions in the region, writes EBR’s Eden Teshome. 


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Addis Ababa’s Transformation Puts Heritage at Stake

Addis Ababa is undergoing a rapid transformation characterized by the demolition of heritage sites and reconstruction because of rapid urbanization. Unfortunately, this has come at a massive cost of erasing the city’s rich heritage. Heritage plays a vital role in defining a city, shaping its social fabric, preserving its history, and nurturing its cultural identity. Keeping the city’s urban heritage is often neglected or considered an inconvenience. The demolition of historic buildings and homes has sparked concerns among residents and preservationists alike. These structures hold immense architectural and historical value and serve as tangible connections to the past. The loss of these buildings deprives the city of its tangible heritage and diminishes its cultural character, writes EBR’s Eden Teshome. 


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Thieves’ Escape Route from Justice

In addition to house break-ins and street robberies in broad daylight, thieves are increasingly employing sewers to elude the law and their victims. Due to this, it has been challenging for the authorities to find and prosecute them. Numerous variables, including poverty, the country’s inflated economy, unemployment, and drug addiction, might be blamed for the rise in theft cases. Residents are making extra efforts to secure their homes as they grow more anxious about their safety. In this article, EBR’s Hemen Asmare looks into the increase in theft and burglary in Ethiopia, its root causes, and the need for government and community action to address the issue.


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Faith Helping the Addiction Fight

 

Ethiopia’s youth population is increasingly struggling with drug addiction. Many young people are resorting to drugs as a coping mechanism for the difficulties of poverty, unemployment, and social isolation, which worsens the situation. Those who are battling addiction find it challenging to access the necessary care due to the lack of rehabilitation facilities in the country as a whole. The ones that exist are frequently understaffed and underfunded. However, some monasteries and religious sites are attempting to address the issue and aid individuals who are fighting addiction. In this article, EBR’s Eden Teshome tells the story of those who are fighting their addiction with the help of religion.


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The practice of sending older people and those who need special care to specialized centres are rare in Ethiopia. Instead, they remain at home, depending on their loved ones. Caregiving for the elderly and long-term patients usually remains the responsibility of family members. The practice has been tied so closely to African tradition that there is even a saying that “Because you [i.e., the child’s older parents] have taken care of me to grow teeth, I will take care of you till your teeth fall out. As young men and women now would rather spend their day at their schools and jobs than take care of the elderly and sick, this tradition seems to be changing slowly but surely, writes EBR’s Eden Teshome. 


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New City Displaces Thousands

Ethiopians have been internally displaced for a variety of reasons over the last couple of years. The security challenges posed by Shene, a group labeled a terrorist organization in Wolega, Western Oromia, or by Gumuz Militants in the State of Benishangul Gumuz, or during the war between the federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), have all shown Ethiopians the height of social and economic challenges. The most recent reason for displacement, however, is related to the establishment of a city- Sheger, a name previously used to refer to the capital Addis Ababa. In this article, EBR’s Trualem Asmare tries to depict the plight of citizens who are displaced following the plan to establish the new city.


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Providing Beauty to Urbanites

Walking on the streets of Addis Ababa, it would not take long to notice mini flower marketplaces. These marketplaces are now increasing in number in almost all districts of the capital as the tradition of using indoor and outdoor flowers to decorate residences has grown. At the various corners of the capital, it has become big business to grow and sell indoor plants. As a result of the community’s expanding change in attitude towards aesthetics, members of the society have started to purchase and use them at a premium price to adorn their homes. In this article, EBR’s Tirualem Asmare looks into the flourishing flower business that is bringing beauty and livelihoods to homes in the capital.




Ethiopian Business Review | EBR is a first-class and high-quality monthly business magazine offering enlightenment to readers and a platform for partners.



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