Healthy Village Experience Bringing Stakeholders Together
Real, lasting change happens when communities, governments, and the private sector come together. That belief was at the heart of our recent Healthy Village Experience event in Ethiopia—a dynamic and interactive gathering that showcased how a holistic, evidence-driven approach can transform child health outcomes.
A Village-Centred Approach
Stunting —when children don’t grow properly due to chronic malnutrition— remains a critical challenge in Ethiopia, affecting children’s long-term development and well-being. Through our Healthy Village approach, we work to break the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition by addressing the root causes—ensuring access to safe water, proper sanitation, good nutrition, and quality healthcare. Data from our Healthy Village programme in Bangladesh showed a 50% reduction in stunting, proving that an integrated approach works. We are applying this same model in Ethiopia.
A Unique and Interactive Experience
The Healthy Village Experience immersed visitors in a setting that demonstrated how different stakeholders contribute to child health. The event featured an engaging photo gallery that guided participants through a ‘village,’ illustrating the various roles within the ecosystem of child health. From community health workers conducting growth monitoring, to entrepreneurs providing nutritious food and sanitation solutions, each station told a story of collaboration and impact. By visually showcasing these efforts, the event made it clear that child health is not the responsibility of a single sector but a shared mission.
The gallery highlighted all the key elements of the Healthy Village approach, bringing to life the integrated solutions that make a lasting difference. Visitors learned how growth monitoring serves as a powerful trigger for behaviour change, encouraging families to adopt healthier practices in water, sanitation, food, and care. They also saw how strengthening local systems—such as training Water and Sanitation (WASH) Committees to manage water sources and working with savings groups to invest in sanitation and nutrition—ensures long-term sustainability.
For those who want to explore the different elements showcased in the exhibition, our digital brochure provides further insights into the themes and stories presented during the event.
Scaling Impact and Strengthening Communities
As we continue implementing the Healthy Village approach in Ethiopia, events like this reaffirm the importance of local leadership, evidence-based solutions, and system strengthening. We are excited to see more villages achieve “Healthy Village” status, ensuring that more children grow up healthy, nourished, and thriving.
We extend our gratitude to all partners, stakeholders, and community members who made this event a success. Together, we can build healthier communities—one village at a time.
Browse through pictures from the Healthy Village Experience below.
