Zambia launches campaign to tackle child hunger, malnutrition

The Zambian government has launched the “Enough Campaign to End Child Hunger and Malnutrition,” a global initiative by World Vision Zambia aimed at addressing child hunger and malnutrition across the country.

Speaking at the launch held on Wednesday at Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka, Agriculture Minister, Mtolo Phiri, described child hunger and malnutrition as among the most complex and pressing challenges facing the world today.

Phiri highlighted that Zambia was not immune to these issues, particularly in light of the recent El Niño phenomenon, which has worsened the nation’s nutritional challenges.

“The prolonged drought conditions triggered by El Niño have led to a significant reduction in agricultural productivity, lower crop yields, and widespread food insecurity in both rural and urban communities,” he said.

He added that the situation had made it increasingly difficult for families to access or afford nutritionally dense foods, further exacerbated by poor dietary diversity, inadequate caregiving practices, limited nutrition services, and insufficient nutrition education.

“Agricultural projections indicate that crop yields have fallen by up to 50 percent in some regions due to El Niño, threatening food availability and nutritional security,” Phiri said.

He warned of severe consequences, noting that children were at risk of various forms of malnutrition, including stunting, wasting, underweight conditions, and, in some cases, obesity.

According to the 2024 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey, national stunting levels have decreased to 32 percent, but 10 percent of children under five remain severely stunted.

Additionally, three percent of children are wasted, 12 percent are underweight, and two percent are severely underweight, according to the shared data.

Phiri emphasized the importance of the campaign, noting its timely launch amidst climate-induced challenges.

He called for enhanced collaboration with partners to eradicate hunger and malnutrition.

Phiri praised the government’s partnership with World Vision Zambia and outlined key initiatives, including the development of climate-resilient agricultural strategies, improved food and nutrition policies, and expanded programmes like the school meals initiative.

“These efforts will not only ensure children receive nutritious food but also keep them in school,” he said.

Phiri further stressed the importance of creating emergency nutritional support mechanisms to respond swiftly to crises.

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