The charity, ChildFund International – Zambia, has launched a US$328,000 Emergency Nutrition Response project targeted for Shibuyunji, Kafue, Chilanga, and Chongwe districts.
Country Director Simba Machingaidze said this is critical for addressing severe and moderate acute malnutrition among vulnerable populations, especially children under the age of five, and pregnant and lactating women.
Machingaidze said the drought has had a devastating impact on the communities, particularly in the four target districts
“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 breastfeeding women,” he said.
He noted that the project had come at a time when the country was facing unprecedented challenges due to the drought, which has led to significant food insecurity across the nation.
Machingaidze said the target districts had seen alarming increases in malnutrition rates, putting the lives and futures of children at risk.
He said more than 11,000 children will be screened for malnutrition, and those found in need will receive appropriate food supplements, such as Ready Therapeutic Foods and Fortified Blended Foods.
“The focus will be on those diagnosed with Severe Acute Malnutrition and Moderate Acute Malnutrition, who are in urgent need of therapeutic and supplementary feeding. 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,” he explained.
Machingaidze said his organization aimed to reduce the incidence of severe and moderate acute malnutrition and contribute to the overall well-being of communities.
The project, being implemented in partnership with ChildFund Korea and KOICA, will run for the next three to four months and complements the government’s efforts to alleviate nutrition challenges in the face of drought-induced food insecurity.
To measure success, the project will consider key indicators that include reduced under-five malnutrition rates across the target districts, a measurable decrease in wasting among children in the same age group, and the active participation of health workers and community-based volunteers in training and response efforts.
