Nutrition Program Sets New Tone in Malawi Communities
The 5-year project started in 2017, targeting 10 districts to reduce stunting among children by 2 percent annually.
SALIMA, Malawi- The Afikepo Nutrition Programme, funded by the European Union (EU) through UNICEF and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), has set a new tone of lifestyle in communities of Traditional Authorities Mwanzama, Mposa and Kambalame in Nkhotakota and Salima districts, respectively, writes Johans Mumba.
Afikepo, meaning "let them (the children) grow to their fullest potential," aims to address chronic malnutrition in Malawi by increasing and diversifying the dietary intake of safe and nutritious foods to achieve optimal nutrition for women of childbearing age, adolescent girls, infants and young children.
"The project has halted escalating cases of malnutrition," said Boston Phiri, Chipoka Extension Planning Area (EPA) Veterinary Scout and Crop Officer in Salima district.
"Through the training provided by the project since its inception in 2017, people have gained the knowledge required to locally source food to attain six food groups."
The project has decreased child marriages in Salima district, which is along the lakeshore.
"Teenage marriages were highly prevalent but the project has been preaching against them, leading to a sharp decrease," Phiri said.
The project has advocated for extensive breastfeeding in Traditional Authority Mposa in Nkhotakota district.
"I have twins but they are both healthy because the project taught us how to fetch food to provide necessary nutrients," said Ester Phiri from Benga 2 village.
The project's sustainability will not be compromised, said Madalitso Black, a resident of Malembe village in Traditional Authority Kambalame in Salima district.
"I have at least 40 chickens given by the project to ensure my family does not lack meat," she said.
Group Villageman Chilungo testified to the significance of the project, saying "it has brought an exceptional living style to the village."
The 5-year project started in 2017, targeting 10 districts to reduce stunting among children by 2 percent annually.