Lusaka, Thursday (August 22, 2024)
ChildFund Zambia has launched an Emergency Nutrition Response Project worth USD 328,000 to complement Government efforts in alleviating nutrition.
ChildFund Zambia Country Director Simba Machingaidze stated that this initiative is a critical intervention aimed at addressing severe and moderate acute malnutrition among our most vulnerable populations—children under the age of five, and pregnant and lactating women.
Mr Machingaidze emphasized that the project comes at a time when our country is facing unprecedented challenges due to the 2024 drought, which has led to significant food insecurity across Zambia.
He noted that the drought has had a devastating impact on our communities, particularly in the four target districts of Shibuyunji, Kafue, Chilanga, and Chongwe.
Mr Machingaidze noted that the target districts have seen alarming increases in malnutrition rates, putting the lives and futures of our children at risk.
He disclosed that the project, implemented in partnership with ChildFund Korea and KOICA, will run over the next three to four months.
Mr Machingaidze said the primary goal is to provide immediate, life-saving nutritional support to 15,117 individuals, including 11,289 children aged 6 to 59 months and 3,828 pregnant and lactating women.
“The focus will be on those diagnosed with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM), who are in urgent need of therapeutic and supplementary feeding. The key indicators of our success will include a reduction in under-five malnutrition rates across the target districts, a measurable decrease in wasting among children under five, and the active participation of health workers and community-based volunteers in our training and response efforts,” he said.
Mr Machingaidze said ChildFund will screen over 11,000 children for malnutrition, ensuring that those who need it receive appropriate food supplements, such as Ready Therapeutic Foods (RUTFs) and Fortified Blended Foods (FBFs).
“This project is not just about providing food; it is about saving lives and improving health outcomes. By ensuring that children and mothers receive the nutrition they need, we aim to reduce the incidence of severe and moderate acute malnutrition, contributing to the overall well-being of our communities. To ensure the effectiveness of our efforts, we will also establish feedback mechanisms for the affected populations, allowing for social accountability and enhancing participation among beneficiaries. This will enable us to be responsive to the needs of those we are serving, ensuring that our interventions are both appropriate and impactful. As we embark on this critical mission, I want to express our gratitude to our partners and stakeholders who have made this project possible. Together, we will work tirelessly to ensure that the children of Zambia have a healthier, brighter future,” he said.
This is contained in a statement issued by ChildFund Zambia Communications Specialist Priscilla Chama-Mpengula.
