By Willy Kadewere

Chikwawa, June 20, Mana: Chikwawa District Council has said they are committed to ensuring the implementation of a number of interventions to prevent malnutrition.

Vice Chairperson for the District Council, Joe Gwanda said this Wednesday during launch of Nutrition Education Week at Mitekete Ground in Traditional Authority (TA) Kasisi in the district.

 The launch held under the theme: "Ulimi wakasakaniza munyengo ya ng'amba, gwero la chakudya ndi kadyedwe koyenera," is aimed at sensitizing people on various ways to combat malnutrition.

He said there need to use several interventions in a bid to improve the nutritional status of the district.

“Through various offices, communities are being advised, among other things, to have backyard gardens, eat form all the six food groups and ensure lactating mothers fully breastfeed their babies,” Gwanda said. 

Director of Planning and Development (DPD) for Chikwawa District Council, Thokozile Munthali, observed that, “Due to El Niño weather patterns, which have contributed to hunger, many people, especially children, expectant and lactating mothers have become malnourished.”

She added that the District Council in conjunction with Chikwawa District Hospital was engaging communities to educate them on ways to reduce malnutrition. 

"As we know, Chikwawa is frequently hit by cyclones and droughts, which escalate hunger," Munthali said, adding that, "Through various interventions such as Nutrition Education Week, radio programmes and nutrition screening, the problem shall be reduced."

The Event started with a big walk from the council to Mitekete Ground and was characterized by several performances.