By Fostina Mkandawire

Salima, May 3, Mana: A nutrition unit constructed with financial support from Germany Cooperation at Salima District Council is expected to enhance service delivery and nutrition coordination among sectors.

A nutrition unit is a facility that takes care of all malnutrition cases and diet related issues with an aim of improving people's health and help them make better dietary choices.

Speaking during the handover ceremony in Salima District on Thursday, Country Director for German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), Alan Walsch, described the unit as a pace setter in the country because it is the first of its kind in all the district councils.

He said having a unit where nutrition officers from education, agriculture, health and secretariat will enhance idea sharing, collaboration and problem solving will enable communities to be well informed on nutrition issues.

Walsch said they noted office space challenges in most district councils, therefore, constructing offices where all players in the nutrition field should be confined would solve most of the challenges.

He said Salima was identified as the first district to pilot the project, describing it as an enduring asset which will surpass the lifespan of the Food and Nutrition Security Programme (FNSP) in which the facility has been constructed under.

"While people and programs may change, this building will remain a stable and valuable resource for years to come he said.

"We took great care to ensure that the building's design and placement were environmentally conscious, preserving the beauty of the surrounding trees,” he said.

Walsch said they are expecting to see communities coming to the facility to access nutritional help from officers housed under the facility.

District Commissioner for Salima, James Mwenda, said nutrition requires concerted effort of multiple sectors.

"The new office building will serve as a hub for nutrition officers from different sectors, establishing a permanent base for the Salima District Nutrition Unit. We are privileged to be the first district to have this facility," he said.

Mwenda emphasized that the Council will put in place maintenance measures so that the unit serves its intended purpose and not abused.

Three motorcycles were donated to ease mobility challenges of nutrition officers.

The Food and Nutrition Security Programme (FNSP) has been active in Salima District since 2015 and strives to enhance nutrition outcomes and also working at multiple levels, empowering communities, supporting districts, as well as national policy.