Stakeholders in Balaka urged to address myths and misconceptions affecting nutrition

Balaka, June 20, Mana: Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) and Initiative for Community Development Services (INCOS) together with Balaka District Health Office have called upon all stakeholders in Balaka District to join forces in combating myths and misconceptions that affect nutrition status among the under-aged children and maternal mothers.

Speaking on Thursday after a two-day co-creation workshop organized in Traditional Authority (TA) Kalembo in Balaka, MRCS District Coordinator for Balaka, Lovemore Makaluka, said persistent knowledge gap through myths among the community members perpetuate issues of malnutrition and health service gaps towards the vulnerable population.

He therefore said the workshop aimed to inspire mindset change by unpacking harmful social norms and co-creating solutions with the community in order to improve issues of nutrition and other health services.

“Red Cross alone cannot tackle these issues and that is why we have joined forces with INCOS and the District Health Department to explore challenges affecting nutrition and health access in the community,” said Makaluka.

He said the focus was on community-led solutions that promote long-term behavior change.

“You have also noted that the workshop used participatory methods such as problem-tree analysis, storytelling, solution sketching and community mapping to uncover root causes of poor nutrition, barriers to health access, and prevailing myths around maternal and reproductive health,” he added.

He therefore said the initiative also aligns with Malawi 2063 goals, particularly on strengthening food security and reducing malnutrition among the vulnerable communities in Balaka.

Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Coordinator for Balaka District Hospital, Derrick Kachikoti, revealed that Kalembo area has one of the highest rates of child malnutrition in the district, as such, this community-based engagement will create a benchmark for solutions against the challenge.

“The Ulongwe catchment area in T/A Kalembo, with a population of 23,947, has recorded a high number of under-five children at risk of malnutrition, with 1,446 cases reported, a situation that is worrisome for the district,” he added.

Village Headman Kalembo, applauded the initiative and pledged to reinforce its impact through regular village meetings that will ensure the messages are communicated widely for everyone to adopt good health habits.

“We are committed to work collectively with Red Cross volunteers, Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs), youth groups, pregnant and lactating women, caregivers, faith leaders, child protection workers, Area Nutrition Committee representatives and male champions to promote the values of good nutrition,” said the chief.

During the workshop, participants were grouped to explore available services, identify challenges across gender and economic lines, and co-create locally driven solutions and messages to challenge myths and promote healthy behaviors.

The community-based engagement, conducted from June 16 to 17, 2025, was part of the 2025 UNICEF El Niño Emergency Response Project aimed at strengthening emergency response for nutrition, health, and child protection in districts affected by El Niño.

The 10-month project, running from March to December 2025, is expected to empower communities with knowledge, address misinformation, and promote inclusive access to essential health and nutrition services.