MoH Calls for Multi-Sectoral Approach to Combat Malnutrition in Zambia
The Ministry of Health has urged stronger collaboration among key sectors to effectively address malnutrition in Zambia. Speaking during the inception meeting of the Girls’ Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihoods (GEWEL) Phase 2 project, Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, emphasized the importance of a multi-sectoral approach.
“Reducing malnutrition requires collaboration across multiple sectors. Hence, the growing recognition of the role of multi-sectoral, nutrition-sensitive interventions,” Dr. Lishimpi stated.
He highlighted that tackling malnutrition requires the involvement of ministries such as Health, Agriculture, Water and Sanitation, Education, Community Development and Social Services, and Fisheries and Livestock to implement nutrition-sensitive programs. While the health sector leads nutrition-specific interventions, other sectors play a crucial role in ensuring food and nutrition security.
Dr. Lishimpi noted that the Ministry’s participation in GEWEL 2 is a significant milestone in improving nutrition among vulnerable communities, particularly women and children. He acknowledged that undernutrition remains a major challenge, affecting health outcomes and economic productivity.
The GEWEL Phase 2 project aims to support vulnerable girls and women by enhancing education, nutrition, and livelihood opportunities. It also seeks to address malnutrition and its long-term impacts on health and development. The Ministry of Health will oversee nutrition-specific interventions in Chibombo and Monze, districts selected due to their high prevalence of malnutrition.
Dr. Kakungu Simpungwe, Assistant Director for Child Health and Nutrition, explained that the nutrition component of GEWEL 2 focuses on improving the nutritional status of poor households with pregnant or lactating women and children under two years.
These households, already benefiting from the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) and nutrition cash top-up programs administered by the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS), will receive targeted nutritional support.
Dr. Lishimpi urged government ministries, development partners, and community organizations to actively collaborate in ensuring sustainable nutrition interventions across the country.
