Adolescents Benefitting from Afikepo in Nkhata Bay
Afikepo is a 5-year project funded by the European Union and implemented by UNICEF and the Food and Agriculture Organization to address chronic malnutrition in under 5 children.
NKHATA BAY, Malawi- Bester Funani, an 18-year-old from Kapoza Care Group in Traditional Authority Kabunduli, is one of many adolescents whose lives have changed through the Afikepo project trainings, writes Catherine Tembo.
Afikepo is a 5-year project funded by the European Union and implemented by UNICEF and the Food and Agriculture Organization to address chronic malnutrition in under 5 children.
“I’ve learned a lot through this project, like the importance of hygiene and eating a balanced diet,” Funani said. “I didn’t know before that eating liver is a good source of iron and vitamin B12 to produce more blood.”
Easter Chirwa, another Kapoza Care Group member, said the project has helped reduce early pregnancies by teaching adolescents about hygiene and protection.
“Girls face challenges accessing menstrual pads, forcing some into risky behaviors to get money for them, resulting in pregnancy or infections,” Chirwa said.
“Early pregnancies have decreased through Afikepo, but challenges remain that hinder girls from continuing studies.”
Edgar Chihana, Nkhata Bay District Council director of planning and development, said the project built community capacity to identify malnourished children and reduce stunting.
“The adolescent girls are being motivated to stay in school, so we expect the dropout rate to significantly decrease,” Chihana said.
“We're confident the interventions are moving in the right direction.”
The project concludes this year after yielding positive results, including empowering communities.