The pervasive theft of therapeutic foods and nutritional supplements intended for malnourished children is critically undermining efforts to provide life-saving assistance to millions nationwide. Minister of Health Lia Tadesse (MD) revealed last week that ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTFs), designed to supplement nutritional programs supported by donors, are subjected to illicit trade after being siphoned from organisations.

UNICEF procures approximately 80pc of the global production of therapeutic food, equivalent to nearly 50,000tn a year, and distributes it to countries where malnutrition and stunting are widespread, including Ethiopia. Yet, despite these efforts, the number of malnourished children nationwide has skyrocketed to an alarming 1.3 million due to conflicts and drought. The rampant illegal sale of supplements like plumpy nuts at kiosks and online chat groups mirrors a recent scandal that garnered significant media attention, where food aid intended for war-affected areas was found on sale.

Hiwot Darsene, the lead executive officer at the Nutrition Coordination Office within the Ministry and chair of the National Food & Nutrition Technical Committee, says the diversion of supplements occurs during transportation from Djibouti ports and 20,000 health posts across several regional states. Although a few sachets can be removed from carton boxes carrying 50 pieces during transport, the proliferation of these products in the market suggests a coordinated operation involving multiple actors.

"It's a large-scale operation that may include some officials," Hiwot said, disclosing several active cases under investigation, in joint operations with the federal police commission and intelligence agencies. "This approach is necessary due to the expansive scale of the operation."

International donors have submitted several reports to the Ministry revealing large-scale theft and misuse throughout the country. The 500-calorie peanut-based supplement is favoured for its high nutritional content and ease of consumption, as it requires no cooking. On sale for 40 Br a sachet, it is more affordable than a decent meal. However, Hiwot warned that regular consumption could cause imbalances and hinder access for the malnourished. She also highlighted a severe lack of public awareness.

A report published by the United Nations (UN) last month disclosed that 34pc of Ethiopian children under five suffer from stunting, while 6.2pc are victims of wasting. Shockingly, 28pc of child deaths in the country are associated with under-nutrition, while 21pc are underweight. The report also revealed that 25 million people are grappling with severe food insecurity due to war and disrupted agricultural cycles.

Tigray Regional State, one of the war-stricken states, faces a severe shortage of supplements.

Abraha Gebregziaber (MD), medical director of Ayder Hospital, emphasised the critical importance of therapeutic foods for treating malnourished children in their facility. Although Ayder is a referral hospital, where most patients require immediate assistance and are discharged after recovery, Abraha noted that efforts are made to reintegrate undernourished patients, primarily children, back into regular diets after a period of care.