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December 17, 2024
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A Tribute to the Late Dr. Ferew Lemma
Dr. Ferew Lemma was Ethiopia’s leading voice and nutrition expert. Nutrition International Ethiopia Country Director Dr. Amare Deribew reflects on the lasting contributions of his friend and colleague.
Posted on January 14, 2022
I knew Dr. Ferew Lemma for more than 20 years and had the privilege of working closely with him for more than five years. I admired his dedication to nutrition and food security and learned – not just from his extensive knowledge – but from his leadership, passion and humility.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Lemma made significant contributions towards improving nutrition in Ethiopia and Africa. As the Country Scaling Up Nutrition Focal Point and Advisor to the Ministry of Health, he played major leadership roles in the development of national nutrition policies and guidelines, including the National Nutrition Program and the Seqota Declaration. In October 2021, Dr. Lemma led the development and submission of Ethiopia’s commitments to the Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit, hosted by the Government of Japan.
As a faculty member at the Jimma University School of Public Health, Dr. Lemma’s presence attracted young academics to its nutrition unit, which has grown to become one of the fast-growing departments at the university.
I will always be grateful for the continued support he provided to Nutrition International over the years. Ethiopia and the global nutrition community will miss this stalwart champion.
Dr. Lemma’s legacy and undeniable impact he has had on nutrition and food security, will be remembered forever.
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