By Innocent Chunga

Nkhotakota, February 7, Mana: Feed the Children, a non-governmental organization has oriented journalists in the lakeshore districts of Salima, Nkhotakota and Nkhatabay, on issues of malnutrition among under five children and pregnant women, with a call for the scribes to enhance their programming and reporting on malnutrition issues in the districts.

Speaking on Tuesday during the orientation workshop in Nkhotakota district, Social and Behavior Change Coordinator for Feed the Children ‘Akule ndi Thanzi’ project, Isaac Manda said the media plays a crucial role in disseminating information in the country, therefore the industry needs to be empowered with information for smooth implementation of the project.

He emphasized the need for the media practitioners to amplify messages on project goals of nutrition and hygiene practices among other health issues.

"We need more collaborative efforts and a cordial relationship between media practitioners and implementers of the project in the districts to eradicate malnutrition at the district level,” said Manda.

District Information Officer (DIO) for Nkhatabay, Chisomo Kambandanga and Tapiwa Mbewe of Chisomo Radio Station in Salima, described the orientation as an eye opener adding that it has empowered them on issues to do with child malnutrition.

The orientation workshop brought together media practitioners from various media outlets from Salima, Nkhotakota and Nkhatabay districts.

With support from United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Feed the Children, School of Agriculture for Family Independent (SAFI) and Total Landcare are implementing ‘Akule ndi Thanzi’ project in districts that include Nkhatabay, Nkhotakota and Salima aiming at improving nutrition status of pregnant and lactating women as well as under five children.