About Us
Regional information platform for nutrition (RIPN)
General Objectives
The ultimate goal of this initiative is to strengthen the generation of evidence and analytical capacity at the subnational level for Nutrition data needs-collection-management-analysis-use and communication to support timely and local-level decision-making processes. This strengthening is envisaged to inform policies, and preparedness measures, design health programs and services, and monitor progress toward regional, national, and international development goals.
Specific objectives
1. To improve the quality of Nutrition data for analysis and use at all levels of the health system
2. To strengthen evidence generation for decision-making, including tracking progress and
monitoring health system performance using Nutrition data from various sources
3. To measure the levels and trends of undernutrition indicators
4. To store quality Nutrition data in the regional Data Management Center for Health (RDMC)
5. To enhance regional efficiency through evidence-informed decision-making.
6. To provide evidence-based information to the APHI, ARHB, EPHI, MOH, and other
stakeholders pertinent to supporting regional and national health policies, strategies, and
plans.
Significance of RIPN
Data Collection and Analysis
Regional information platforms for nutrition enable the collection, analysis, and interpretation of nutrition-related data specific to the region. This includes data on food production, consumption patterns, dietary practices, nutritional status, and health indicators. By aggregating and analyzing this data, regional platforms can provide insights into the prevailing nutrition challenges and help identify priority areas for intervention.
Evidence-Based Policy Formulation:
Regional information platforms provide policymakers with access to reliable and up-to-date data on nutrition-related issues. This enables evidence-based policy formulation and strategic planning at the regional level. Policymakers can utilize the platform’s data and analysis to identify the root causes of malnutrition, understand the factors 8 driving poor nutrition outcomes, and design targeted interventions and policies to address these challenges effectively. .
Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration
Regional information platforms serve as a hub for knowledge sharing and collaboration among stakeholders working in the field of nutrition within the region. They facilitate the exchange of best practices, research findings, and successful interventions. This collaboration can foster innovation, promote learning, and avoid duplications of efforts. It also enables stakeholders to collectively address common challenges and leverage resources more effectively.
Capacity Building:
Regional platforms can contribute to capacity-building efforts by providing training, technical assistance, and resources related to nutrition. They can offer educational materials, guidelines, and toolkits to support nutrition practitioners, healthcare providers, and policymakers in implementing evidence-based interventions. Capacity-building initiatives foster the development of skilled professionals and enhance the quality of nutrition programs implemented within the region.
Advocacy and Awareness:
Regional information platforms can play a vital role in advocacy and raising awareness about nutrition issues. By disseminating information, data, and success stories, they can engage policymakers, civil society organizations, and the public in addressing nutrition challenges. These platforms can also promote behavior change communication campaigns, educate communities on proper nutrition practices, and encourage the adoption of healthy eating habits.
Resource Mobilization
: Regional information platforms can help mobilize resources for nutrition interventions within the region. By presenting comprehensive data on nutrition needs, gaps, and priorities, they can attract funding and support from governments, donors, and development agencies. The platform’s credibility and evidence base can strengthen the case for investing in
nutrition and increase the likelihood of securing financial resources for nutrition programs.
Centralized Data Storage:
RIPN provides a centralized repository for storing and managing data. This centralization helps ensure data consistency, integrity, and security. It eliminates the need for scattered data storage across multiple systems or departments, making it easier to locate and access data when needed.
Data Quality and Consistency
By centralizing data management, RIPN can enforce data quality standards and ensure consistent data across the organization. They can implement data validation rules, data cleansing processes, and data standardization techniques to improve the accuracy and reliability of data.
Analytics and Decision-Making:
With centralized and well-managed data, organizations can perform advanced analytics, data mining, and machine learning on their data assets. RIPN provides an environment where data scientists and analysts can access quality data, explore trends, make predictions, and gain actionable insights to support informed decision-making
Aims of RIPN
- # To contribute the regional reduction of malnutrition in the Amhara region
- # To locate data owners and make use of food and nutrition related data in the region
- # To identify and prioritize policy questions on food and nutrition in the region
- # To produce metadata for food and nutrition related data in the region
- # To promote utilization of food and nutrition data in the repository of RDMC
- # To generate evidence-based policy and issue briefs on food and nutrition in the region
- # To strengthen institutional and regional capacity for food and nutrition research