Zambia marks progress in combating child malnutrition

GOVERNMENT through the National Food and Nutrition Commission NFNC has released the final report of the Scaling Up Nutrition-SUN II Endline Evaluation, highlighting notable progress in reducing child malnutrition in the country.

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Kennedy Lishimpi who was represented by the Ministry Director of Public Health Kakungu Simpungwe said despite facing climate challenges the report reveals a five percent reduction in stunting.

Speaking at the survey report launch in Lusaka today, Dr Lishimpi highlighted that the findings from the report will guide governments planning as well as resource allocation for the next five years.

He emphasized that this will ensure every child has an opportunity to reach their full physical and cognitive potential.

“The fight against malnutrition is not only a health issue but also a matter of social justice and economic development,” Dr Lishimpi emphasised.

Building on these insights, the government has committed to several strategic initiatives such as poverty reduction, climate smart nutrition, and supporting community volunteers

Dr Lishimpi stated that despite facing climate shocks, the COVID-19 pandemic, cholera outbreaks, and a severe drought induced by El Niño, Zambia has made commendable strides.

“Despite facing climate shocks, the COVID-19 pandemic, cholera outbreaks, and a severe drought induced by El Niño, Zambia has made commendable strides,” Dr Lishimpi stated.

He added that the report reveals that stunting among children aged 0-23 months in the programme’s targeted districts decreased from 28.9 percent at baseline to 23.9 percent at endline, a five percentage point reduction, nearly meeting the ambitious goal of a 7-point decline.

“This reduction means thousands of children now have a better chance at thriving and reaching their full potential,” Dr Lishimpi stated.

And National Food and Nutrition Commission Executive Director Muntanga Mapani called on stakeholders to utilise the report as a primary reference for informed decision making, citing that this should make them move forward, towards more shock responsive and resilient approaches.

Dr Mapani extended gratitude to development partners such as UNICEF, the European Union, the German Government, the Swedish Embassy, UKAID, Irish Aid, and numerous technical experts and volunteers, whose collective efforts have driven these gains for Zambia.

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And the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Beatrice Mutali who was represented by acting Chief of Section Nutrition Nerisa Pilime commended the government for its leadership, stewardship as well as unwavering commitment to improving nutrition outcomes for women and children across the country.

Earlier GIZ Project Coordinator for the FANSER plus, Martina Kress in a speech read for her by the Advisor for Food and Nutrition Policy, Gladys Chirwa emphasised that as one of the implementing partners they recognise that malnutrition remains a challenge in Zambia. – ZANIS.